ESA enlists European duo to develop space cargo return shuttles

The European Space Agency (ESA) has enlisted two companies to develop cargo shuttle vehicles for low Earth orbit. ESA awarded the new contracts to the Exploration Company in Germany and Thales Alenia Space in Italy. The services are due to deliver supplies to the International Space Station (ISS). Once the ISS is retired in 2030, they could also send cargo to the space station’s successors. ESA even envisions the shuttles taking people to the cosmos. “The LEO Cargo Return Service project exemplifies ESA’s commitment to ensuring Europe’s prominent role in space exploration,” said Daniel Neuenschwander, Director of Human and Robotic…

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