🇮🇪Flying the Flag!

Last month, the European Space Agency’s Hera spacecraft, roughly the size of a small car, zipped past Mars on a planetary defence mission, guided by tech from Dublin-based InnaLabs.

InnaLabs is part of a rising tide of Irish firms bolstering Europe’s Space ambitions. Its gyroscope is key to reducing reliance on US tech and securing European Space independence.

Hera’s job? Study how NASA’s 2022 DART mission—the one that smashed into asteroid Dimorphos—shifted its path. It’s Europe’s piece of the global puzzle to shield Earth from rogue asteroids.

With 109 Irish companies now tied to the ESA, InnaLabs is riding a wave. “It’s a win for Ireland’s space strategy and our growing role in the global boom,” said CEO John O’Leary.

Got questions? Chat with ESA’s space bot at Hera.space.

Réaltra camera for Europe’s reusable rocket

Dublin-based space engineering firm Réaltra has just delivered a high-definition camera and a rugged Ethernet switch for a major European rocket test project — and both are now installed on Europe’s first reusable rocket demonstrator.

The test rocket, called Themis, is part of the EU-backed SALTO project, which is trying to develop reusable launch tech (think: Europe’s answer to SpaceX-style rocket reusability). The mission? Lower launch costs and make space access greener.

Réaltra’s camera will capture high-quality footage during short “hop” tests — helping engineers analyse how the rocket structure and systems hold up. Their Ethernet switch, developed with TTTech Aerospace, allows various parts of the rocket’s payloads and systems to talk to each other efficiently — no small feat in the harsh environment of spaceflight.

For Réaltra, it’s a big win. For Europe’s space ambitions, it’s another step towards launching smarter, cheaper, and more sustainable rockets.

“We are delighted to have been selected to be part of the SALTO consortium and to deliver two independent but integrated systems for what will be a European first in reusable launchers,” said Danny Gleeson, CCO of Réaltra.

Splashdown!

NASA’s Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are back after nine months on the International Space Station, clocking 121 million miles and 4,500+ orbits. They splashed down into calm, azure waters off Florida and went straight into medical checks to gauge microgravity’s toll on their bodies.

SpaceX Rideshare mission

Elon Musk’s rocket company launched the Transponder-13 mission to orbit, part of SpaceX’s “rideshare” service used by smaller companies to get their hardware into orbit at a fraction of the cost of a dedicated launch. The launch deployed 27 satellites from 14 countries, including Spain, India, Norway and France.

SpaceX’s Falcon 9 Rideshare program allows customers to book slots for small satellites on regular, scheduled launches. Prices start as low as $325,000 for 50 kg to sun-synchronous orbit (SSO), with additional mass at $6,500/kg. This is the lowest price point on the market, with launches occurring roughly every 90 days.

For countries like Ireland, which are only now developing domestic launch facilities (e.g., SUAS Aerospace’s planned spaceport), SpaceX’s rideshare offers immediate, proven access to orbit

Australia joins the Space Race - with Vegemite!

Australia will have to wait for its first Space flight. Gilmour Space had to scrub its launch last week after part of the nose cone fell off onto the pad. The test payload was a jar of Vegemite, the classic Aussie spread.

Vegemite aside, here are 🚀 6 of the Weirdest Things Ever Launched Into Space

1. Elon Musk’s Tesla Roadster

   In 2018, SpaceX launched a cherry-red Tesla into deep space with a mannequin called Starman at the wheel, Bowie playing on loop.

2. Luke Skywalker’s Lightsaber

   NASA flew the original Star Wars prop aboard the shuttle in 2007. May the thrust be with you.

3. A Wheel of Cheese

   SpaceX sent Le Brouère cheese into orbit in 2010 — a Monty Python tribute that no one saw coming.

4. Chris Hadfield’s Space Oddity

   In 2013, the Canadian astronaut recorded the first music video in orbit

5. Star Trek Ashes

   Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry’s remains were sent to space in 1992. Later missions included other cast members. Yes, Scottie was finally beamed up himself.

6. Pizza to the ISS

   In 2001, Pizza Hut paid $1M to send the first pizza into orbit.

Careers !

Job Opportunities at the ESA

Are you passionate about space and looking to build a long-term career in the European space sector?

Do you have two to three years of professional experience and a Master’s degree? The European Space Agency is offering a unique opportunity through its Junior Professional Programme (JPP), designed to cultivate the next generation of space professionals.

Applications are now open. It’s time for Liftoff!