An experimental vehicle to develop an autonomous European reentry capability for future reusable space transportation has completed its mission. ESA’s Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle flew a flawless ...

ESA’s IXV unmanned spaceplane is installed inside Vega’s protective fairing at Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. The Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle will be launched into a suborbital ...

A European mini-space shuttle prototype launched into space on Wednesday and then zoomed back to Earth in a daring test of innovative technologies for future reusable spacecraft. The European Space ...

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The European Space Agency is preparing to test the atmospheric re-entry capabilities of its new early concept spaceplane, the Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle (IXV). The test flight is slated for ...

A European mini-space shuttle prototype launched into space Wednesday (Feb. 11) and then zoomed back to Earth in a daring test of innovative technologies for future reusable spacecraft. The European ...

All eyes are on ESA’s spaceplane to showcase reentry technologies after its unconventional launch on a Vega rocket this November. Instead of heading north into a polar orbit – as on previous flights – ...

The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results. A Vega VV04 rocket ...

This drop-test model of ESA's IXV Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle will be among the attractions on display at this year's ESTEC Open Day on 5 October. IXV's sleek lifting body design gives a clue to ...

Europe's answer to a 'space taxi' is now poised and ready to launch on a February 11 test flight. Dubbed the IXV, for Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle, the craft will provide Europe with its own ...

Europe’s IXV Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle is completing a series of descent and landing tests, including a full-scale splashdown planned for early next year, allowing the mission to move ahead ...

Europe is all set to launch its mini "spaceplane" demonstrator. The unmanned Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle (IXV) will launch atop a Vega rocket from South America, fly east around the globe, ...