ESA Confirms Parafoil Detachment in Failed Space Rider Drop Test

The European Space Agency (ESA) has released new details on a failed Space Rider drop test, confirming the vehicle's parafoil detached during deployment, leading to an uncontrolled descent. Despite this setback, ESA anticipates no significant delay to the development of Europe's first reusable uncrewed orbital spacecraft, with an inaugural flight still planned for the first half of 2028.