Europe is almost ready with something that, until recently, seemed practically a dream: its first reusable spacecraft

ESA has cleared key heat and durability tests for Space Rider, its first reusable spacecraft project.

The uncrewed vehicle is designed to operate in low Earth orbit, reenter the atmosphere, and land on a runway.

A first landing-system prototype could be tested this year, with the full mission targeted for later this decade.

The milestone strengthens Europe’s push into reusable space technology, with possible cost, emissions, and debris reductions.