European Nations Collaborate on Nyx Spacecraft Development
Germany, France, and Italy are spearheading Europe’s entry into the commercial space sector with the development of the Nyx spacecraft. Designed by the European startup The Exploration Company, Nyx aims to provide reusable transport for cargo and, eventually, crewed missions to low-Earth orbit. Unlike NASA-backed initiatives like SpaceX, Nyx relies primarily on private investment, securing $160 million in funding, along with additional support from the European Space Agency (ESA).
The spacecraft is designed to carry up to 3,000 kilograms of cargo to the International Space Station (ISS) and other space destinations. Despite a failed demonstration on an Ariane 6 rocket, future test flights are planned, including Mission Possible in 2025 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9. The European Space Agency has also awarded the startup a €25 million contract to further develop the capsule’s capabilities, reinforcing its commitment to fostering independent European access to space.
With partnerships involving commercial space companies like Axiom Space, Starlab, and Vast, Nyx is positioning itself as a key competitor in the global space industry. European nations see this project as a crucial step toward reducing dependence on American and Russian spacecraft while establishing a strong presence in the rapidly growing space economy. If successful, Nyx could mark the beginning of a new era for European space exploration.
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2.https://www.exploration.space/nyx
3.https://bsgn.esa.int/service/nyx-the-exploration-company/
4.https://spacenews.com/the-exploration-company-raises-160-million-for-nyx-cargo-vehicle/
5. https://europeanspaceflight.com/the-exploration-company-tests-nyx-thermal-protection-system/
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2.https://aviationweek.com/space/operations-safety/exploration-companys-nyx-capsule-demo-set-june
3.https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/threads/the-exploration-company-and-nyx-spacecraft.39840/
