Europe’s space ambitions have spanned a wide range of concepts and initiatives, reflecting the continent’s determination to establish a strong presence in space exploration and utilization. From crewed spacecraft to uncrewed cargo vehicles, Europe has explored various avenues to enhance its capabilities and assert its strategic autonomy in the space domain.
Susie: A Reusable Spacecraft for Crewed and Cargo Missions
ArianeGroup, a joint venture between Airbus and Safran, has proposed the concept of Susie (Smart Upper Stage for Innovative Exploration), a fully reusable spacecraft designed to carry out crewed or uncrewed missions. Envisioned as a multirole vehicle, Susie would be capable of transporting cargo, astronauts, and performing various service missions.
Initially intended to be launched aboard the Ariane 64 rocket, Susie’s modular design would allow it to be compatible with future European launch vehicles. The crewed version of Susie would accommodate up to five astronauts, equipped with an abort system to ensure safety throughout the mission.
With its reusable nature and flexible payload capacity, Susie aims to address a wide range of mission requirements, including satellite servicing, orbital facility construction, space debris mitigation, and supporting deep-space exploration endeavors.
Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV): Europe’s Contribution to the ISS
The Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) was a remarkable achievement for the European Space Agency (ESA), serving as a crucial element of the International Space Station (ISS) program. Developed as an expendable cargo spacecraft, the ATV was designed to periodically resupply the ISS with propellant, water, air, and dry cargo.
Between 2008 and 2015, five ATV missions were successfully launched, each delivering vital supplies to the orbiting laboratory. The ATV’s docking capabilities allowed it to remain attached to the ISS for extended periods, during which its thrusters were used to reboost the station’s orbit.
The ATV program not only demonstrated Europe’s technological prowess but also solidified its commitment to international cooperation in space exploration.
Space Rider: A Reusable Orbital Laboratory
ESA’s Space Rider is an ambitious project aimed at providing Europe with an affordable and independent end-to-end space transportation system. Designed as an uncrewed robotic laboratory, Space Rider will be launched aboard the Vega-C rocket and remain in low Earth orbit for approximately two months.
During its orbital stay, Space Rider will facilitate a wide range of experiments and technology demonstrations in fields such as pharmaceuticals, biomedicine, biology, and physical science. Upon mission completion, the spacecraft will return to Earth with its payloads, enabling their recovery and analysis.
Space Rider’s reusable nature and ability to accommodate multiple missions make it a versatile platform for advancing Europe’s scientific and technological capabilities in space.
Hermes: Europe’s Aborted Spaceplane Ambition
In the 1980s, ESA embarked on an ambitious project known as Hermes, a spaceplane designed to provide Europe with independent manned access to space. Inspired by the American Space Shuttle and the Soviet Buran, Hermes was envisioned as a small spaceplane capable of carrying a crew of three astronauts on missions lasting up to 90 days.
While initially promising, the Hermes project faced numerous challenges, including escalating costs, technical complexities, and shifting priorities within the space community. Despite significant investments and international collaboration, the project was ultimately canceled in 1992 due to its inability to meet cost and performance goals.
Although Hermes never materialized, the project’s legacy lives on in the technological advancements and lessons learned, which have contributed to Europe’s ongoing space endeavors.
Crew Return Vehicle (CRV) and Multi-role Capsule Concepts
In the early 2000s, ESA explored the concept of a Crew Return Vehicle (CRV) as part of its participation in the International Space Station program. The CRV was envisioned as a spacecraft capable of safely returning crews of up to seven astronauts from the ISS in the event of an emergency or if the Space Shuttle was unavailable.
Building upon the expertise gained from the CRV program, ESA also studied the feasibility of developing a multi-role capsule that could serve various purposes, such as resupplying space stations, removing orbital debris, and servicing satellites.
While these concepts did not progress beyond the study phase, they demonstrated Europe’s commitment to exploring diverse solutions for human spaceflight and maintaining a robust presence in the space arena.
As Europe continues to push the boundaries of space exploration and utilization, its ambitions are reflected in the diverse range of concepts and initiatives explored over the years. From crewed spacecraft to uncrewed cargo vehicles, each endeavor has contributed to the continent’s technological advancements, international collaborations, and strategic positioning in the global space community.
Specifications of the Spacecraft
Here are more detailed specifications on the various spacecraft mentioned:
Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV):
- Length: 10.3 meters
- Diameter: 4.5 meters
- Launch Mass: Around 20,750 kg
- Payload Capacity: Up to 7,667 kg (including up to 5,500 kg dry cargo, 840 kg water, 100 kg air/gases, 4,700 kg propellant)
- Power: 4 deployable solar arrays providing 3.8 kW
- Propulsion: 4 x 490 N main engines, 28 x 220 N attitude control thrusters
- Mission Duration: Up to 6 months docked to ISS
- Reentry: Destructive uncontrolled reentry over Pacific Ocean after mission
Space Rider:
- Length: 4.6 meters
- Diameter: 2.3 meters
- Launch Mass: Up to 2,950 kg
- Landing Mass: Up to 2,850 kg
- Payload Capacity: Up to 800 kg in pressurized cargo bay
- Mission Duration: Up to 2 months in orbit
- Reusable: Designed for at least 6 missions with refurbishment
- Propulsion: Based on Vega-C AVUM+ upper stage with life extension kit
- Power: Solar arrays
- Re-entry: Controlled re-entry and runway landing for reuse
Hermes Spaceplane:
- Length: Around 16 meters
- Wingspan: Around 8 meters
- Launch Mass: Around 21 metric tons
- Crew: 3 astronauts
- Mission Duration: 30-90 days
- Payload: Small unpressurized cargo bay
- Propulsion: Expendable rocket stages, airbreathing ramjets/scramjets
- Re-entry: Winged reusable spaceplane design
Crew Return Vehicle (CRV)/X-38:
- Length: Around 9 meters
- Width: 5 meters
- Launch Mass: Around 13,800 kg
- Crew: Up to 7 astronauts
- Structure: Lifting body design based on X-24A/B
- Propulsion: Deorbit propulsion stage, cold gas attitude thrusters
- Re-entry: Steerable 685 sq meter parafoil for final descent
- Designed for emergency medical evacuation or crew return if ISS was uninhabitable
Status
The ATV, Space Rider and Hermes were designed by the European Space Agency (ESA) while the CRV/X-38 was a joint NASA/ESA project focused on crew rescue from the International Space Station. The ATV flew operational Siri missions, while Space Rider aims to start flights in 2025. Hermes and the CRV/X-38 were eventually cancelled before reaching operational status.
