CNES (French National Center for Space Studies)

Dark, a developer of a space junk interceptor rocket, has raised a $6 million seed round extension.

Future European launchers will need engines in the 2,000-2,500 kn thrust range and preliminary studies have started.

With the Ariane 6 seeing progress at last and Avio leaving Arianespace, the European Space Agency takes steps toward a competition for Europe’s future launchers.

Major technical issues with the behind-schedule Ariane 6 have been resolved and the schedule has been stabilized, ESA says.

Europe’s Ariane 6 rocket passes key tests, looks toward first launch in 2024.

The Vulcain 2.1, the main-stage engine on the Ariane 6 launcher under development, was run Sept. 5.

First launch of Europe's new workhorse Ariane 6 is finally coming into view.

Final trials before the inaugural flight of the Ariane 6 launcher saw ESA engineers perform an extensive assessment with the combined test model.

Astroscale Holdings has established a subsidiary in Paris, Astroscale France SAS, and is to sign a contract with the CNES to study space debris removal.

ESA member states scramble to protect independent access to space.

Just two launches are scheduled for 2023 at Europe’s spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

Last November, Europe’s three leading countries in space launchers issued a joint statement that set the stage for further cooperation.

Philippe Baptiste, an engineer by training with experience in science, industry and politics, is to succeed Jean-Yves Le Gall at the helm of French space agency CNES after the country’s parliament approved the nomination.

Jean-Yves Le Gall, president of CNES, tells Aviation Week’s Thierry Dubois about the agency’s progress on reusable launchers and other programs in conjunction with International Astronautical Congress 2020.