UK’s Defense Investment is Headed to the Space Sector
Payload chatted with half a dozen UK space leaders to find out just how much of the investment could trickle down to their sector.
Europe
Stories on the European space industry
Messium Plants £3.3M Hyperspectral Seed
Messium uses hyperspectral data from publicly available sources and commercial hyperspectral satellite operators to understand the nitrogen levels in its customers’ farm plots.
CNES Taps Industry For 5G D2D Demo
Thales Alenia Space—a joint company between Thales and Leonardo—will lead the consortium, which also includes participation by Thales and Capgemini.
Orbital Paradigm Makes the Case for Profitable Reentry
Compared to the total mass of hardware that humanity launched to space during the last 70 years, the amount we’ve brought home intact pales in comparison.
Astrobotic Signs Launch Agreement with Andøya Space
The first landing of a rocket on European soil might just come from an American company. Astrobotic signed an agreement with Andøya Space, allowing the Pittsburgh, PA-based startup to launch its Xodiac vertical-takeoff, vertical-landing (VTVL) vehicle from Andøya’s northern Norwegian spaceport beginning in 2026. The Xodiac vehicle, built to simulate lunar and planetary landings, has […]
Inside Aerospacelab’s Pitch to Build IRIS2
Payload sat down with Benoît Deper, Aerospacelab’s founder and CEO, to discuss the startup’s pitch to manufacture Europe’s secure satcom constellation.
Op-ed: Space is Getting Dangerous. We’re Not Building for It.
If conflict erupts in Europe, the first strike won’t be on land, at sea, or in the air. It’ll be in orbit.
Aerospacelab Closes €94M Series B to Complete its Megafactory
The construction project would make Aerospacelab the operator of the largest satellite manufacturing facility in Europe.
Study Finds Space Solar Power Could Make Europe Net-Zero
Space could play a key role in helping the European Union reach its goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, according to a study released this week.
What Happens to the UK Space Agency Now?
Industry leaders shared nuanced views with Payload on what a DSIT-run UKSA might mean for the future of the country’s space ambitions.
Mynaric Charts Path to Rocket Lab, Investors Left Behind
Mynaric completed its financial restructuring this week—reigniting the possibility of an acquisition by Rocket Lab, but leaving investors holding the bag.
A Closer Look at Portugal’s First Spaceport
Just a few hours by plane from Europe, the Azores boast sandy beaches, a tropical climate, and soon, a shiny new spaceport.