Small launchers are not dead yet. This startup wants to prove it.
This week is all about rockets. Quite literally. News, jobs and podcast episode!
Welcome to Aerospace Insider 🚀
In this week’s issue, we’re diving into the latest and greatest from Europe’s booming space sector. Big things are happening!
Today’s summary:
🚀 Aerospace News: this week it’s mostly all about rockets (quite literally!)
💼 Top Space Jobs: new week, new space jobs you can’t miss!
🔍 Deep Dive: an interview with OPUS Aerospace.
Aerospace Weekly Roundup
Catch the latest European & global space industry highlights you can't afford to miss!
🚀 Isar Aerospace ready for Spectrum rocket launch
Isar Aerospace has completed testing of its Spectrum rocket and is awaiting a license for launch. The company successfully conducted a static fire test of the rocket's first stage, confirming its readiness. The launch will take place from Andøya Spaceport in Norway as soon as the license is granted. Spectrum aims to carry up to 1000 kg to low Earth orbit and 700 kg to sun synchronous orbit.
👉 This is set to be the first attempt of a European private rocket company to reach orbit (!) Exciting times ahead for the European space industry.
💰 ATMOS secures €13.1M for PHOENIX 2 capsule
ATMOS Space Cargo has received €13.1 million from the European Commission to develop its PHOENIX 2 capsule. The funding will support the capsule's development, which is designed to carry up to 100 kg of experiments in orbit and return them to Earth using an inflatable heat shield. The initial test flight is planned for April 2025 on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
🚀 Gilmour Space targets mid-March for Eris rocket launch
Gilmour Space is planning to launch its Eris rocket in mid-March, following delays due to regulatory processes and airspace arrangements. The company initially aimed for a late 2024 launch but faced delays in obtaining a launch license from the Australian Space Agency and finalizing necessary approvals. The launch will mark a significant milestone for Gilmour Space and the Australian space industry.
👉 And another launch attempt from a non-US/non-Chinese company! Quite an achievement to be so close to launching their first ever orbital rocket.
🚀 PLD Space to launch from Oman spaceport
PLD Space has signed an agreement to launch its Miura 5 launch vehicle from Oman starting in 2027. This will be the second spaceport for the company after Kourou in French Guiana. The new site aims to support customers in the Middle East for mid-inclination and polar orbit launches. PLD Space plans to conduct up to 30 launches annually by 2030 and is considering a third launch site.
☄️ Asteroid 2024 YR4 (yes, that’s its name) won’t hit Earth after all
Recent reports suggested a 3.2% chance of asteroid 2024 YR4 hitting Earth in 2032, causing concern (it reached a rating of 3 in the Torino Scale). However, new data from NASA has significantly reduced this risk. The latest estimate shows only a 0.0039% chance of impact or 1 in 26000 odds 😮💨
Space Jobs Spotlight 🔍
Curated roles to accelerate your career in Europe’s thriving space sector.
🚀 Internships & Graduates
Labview Automation Engineer Intern — PLD Space
GNC Intern — Orbex
Telemetry Processing Software Intern — Latitude
Mechanical Engineer Intern — Orbex
GNC Intern — Latitude
💼 Space Jobs
Manufacturing Engineer — PLD Space
Launcher Mechanical Engineer — Opus Aerospace
Structural Dynamics Engineer — Latitude
Power System Engineer — Isar Aerospace
Fluid System Engineer — HyImpulse
Product Assurance Engineer — PLD Space
Fluid Systems Engineer — Orbex
Mission Analysis Engineer — Opus Aerospace
Avionics Engineer — Isar Aerospace
🎓 PhD Opportunities
PhD on AI for Space — Interested?
Three TOP PhDs at TUM — Apply here
PhD on Modelling and Control (ESA & Thales) — Apply here
PhD on astrodynamics at Imperial College — Apply here
Postdoc Opportunity at TUM — Apply here
🔥 Special Opportunitie
Cubesats hands-on training — ESA Academy
Robotics Workshop — ESA Academy
Cybersecurity Training Course — ESA Academy
This week was all about rockets… what do you think?
💡 Looking for a new job? I do more than just share listings. I can help you stand out. If you want a fresh set of eyes on your resume or LinkedIn, reply to this email and let's make sure you are presenting yourself in the best possible way.
Unlocking the Future of Space Access with OPUS Aerospace
In the second episode of Space to Grow, we dive deep into the future of space transportation with a special guest: Safouane Benamer, the co-founder and CEO of OPUS Aerospace. If you're passionate about the evolving space industry, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
Meet OPUS Aerospace: revolutionising suborbital & orbital launch
OPUS Aerospace is focused on developing small launchers for spacecraft. Their current project is the Mesange, a suborbital rocket set to be tested this year. The goal is to commercialise Mesange and use it as a stepping stone for developing a larger rocket, Sterne, which aims to deliver 200 kg to LEO. By concentrating on these innovative launch solutions, OPUS Aerospace is working to make space more accessible for businesses and researchers.
Inside the Episode
In this episode, Safouane shares his journey from concept to creation, offering a behind the scenes look at what it takes to build a space startup. Here are just a few of the key insights you’ll gain:
The challenges of the new space economy: How OPUS Aerospace is navigating the technical and financial challenges of launching a startup in such a competitive market.
Innovation in rocket design: The company’s approach to creating efficient and sustainable launch systems.
The future of small satellite launches: Why the demand for affordable, flexible launch services is growing and how OPUS Aerospace is positioning itself to meet that demand.
Advice for aspiring space entrepreneurs: Safouane’s perspective on what it takes to succeed in the rapidly evolving space sector.
Tune In and Be Inspired
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a space enthusiast or simply curious about space technology: this episode of Space to Grow is full of valuable insights and inspiration.
Discover the startup OPUS Aerospace and the vision behind their mission.
Listen to Episode 2 of Space to Grow now on
Spotify: here
Youtube
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🚀 Who do you want me to interview next? Just reach out!
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See you next week.
Jaime