Every day, Anicet Mbida makes us discover an innovation that could well change the way we consume.
This Friday, he looks back on the creation of a European spacecraft for 2023. He will be able to go into space and return.
We're innovating in space this morning.
There has been a lot of space news this week: the Japanese have brought back pieces of asteroids to Earth.
The Chinese took samples from the moon and the Americans from SpaceX tested (and detonated) their rocket that would allow it to go to Mars.
What are Europeans doing?
They are catching up with the announcement of a space shuttle.
As much with the Ariane 5 rocket, Europe was ahead.
At one time, it had over 50% of the market.
As much in recent years, it has been completely outdated with much cheaper reusable launchers, like those of the American SpaceX.
30 years after the abandonment of the Hermès shuttle, Europe will finally acquire a reusable space vehicle.
A mini shuttle called Space Rider.
Its funding has been validated.
Construction will begin.
And its first flight is scheduled for 2023.
What will she look like?
To the American shuttles of the 1990s?
Not really.
It will be twice as small.
And above all, it will not be inhabited.
Everything will be automated.
Rather, imagine it as a sort of space drone.
This will allow regular round trips in low orbit.
Low orbit is where we install observation and communication satellites.
A major challenge, because it allows Europe not to depend on anyone to access space.
That's it, is Europe getting ahead?
Not really.
This type of mini-shuttles have been tested by the United States for 10 years.
They even have a model who spent over two years in space.
China has also just sent one into orbit.
While the Space Rider will not take off for two years at best.
So there is still work to be done.
Let's say that Europe is a little less behind.