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13h ago

ESA's Space Rider Achieves 150-Meter Precision in Parafoil Drop Tests

Thales Alenia Space Italia has proven the full parachute chain through autonomously guided drop tests, setting the stage for full-system verification alongside landing stability trials supported by the Italian Ministry of Defence.

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Overview

  • June tests at Sardinia’s Salto di Quirra range dropped Space Rider reentry models from 1 to 2.5 km to verify sequential deployment of drogue, pilot and parafoil chutes.
  • Three descent-system trials confirmed the parachute sequence could safely brake the spacecraft and three closed-loop tests demonstrated autonomous guidance achieving landings within a 150 m radius.
  • Thales Alenia Space Italia led the campaign with industrial partners Sener, CIMSA, Teseo and Meteomatics and logistical support from the Italian Air Force and Army.
  • Upcoming full-system drop tests will use a complete reentry module mock-up with authentic weight and landing gear to validate overall descent and touchdown performance.
  • Planned landing stability trials at Salto di Quirra under Italian Ministry of Defence oversight will test worst-case scenarios to protect sensitive payloads during recovery.