# Space Rider

> ESA uncrewed space vehicle

**Wikidata**: [Q47010737](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q47010737)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Rider)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/space-rider

## Summary
Space Rider is an uncrewed space vehicle developed by the European Space Agency (ESA). It is designed as a reusable spaceplane, capable of robotic spaceflight and returning to Earth for multiple missions.

## Key Facts
- Space Rider is an uncrewed space vehicle.
- It is a project of the European Space Agency (ESA).
- It is classified as a spaceplane, an uncrewed spacecraft, and a reusable spacecraft.
- Its manufacturers are Thales Alenia Space and Avio.
- It is designed to be launched by the Vega rocket.
- An alias for the entity is Space Reusable Integrated Demonstrator for Europe Return.
- Its official Twitter account, @esa_SpaceRider, was established in September 2014.
- Space Rider has a dedicated website on the ESA portal.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Space Rider?
A: Space Rider is an uncrewed space vehicle developed by the European Space Agency (ESA). It is designed as a reusable spaceplane for robotic spaceflight, capable of returning to Earth after completing its missions.

### Q: Who is developing Space Rider?
A: Space Rider is being developed by the European Space Agency (ESA). The manufacturing efforts are contributed by Thales Alenia Space and Avio.

### Q: What type of vehicle is Space Rider?
A: Space Rider is classified as a spaceplane, an uncrewed spacecraft, and a reusable spacecraft. This means it is an airplane-like vehicle capable of space flight, operates without a human crew, and is designed for multiple uses.

## Why It Matters
Space Rider represents a significant step for the European Space Agency (ESA) in developing independent, reusable space transportation capabilities. As an uncrewed, reusable spaceplane, it offers the potential for more cost-effective and flexible access to space compared to traditional expendable systems. Its design allows for multiple missions, reducing the need to build new spacecraft for each flight. This reusability can lower operational costs and increase the frequency of missions, supporting various scientific, technological, and commercial applications in orbit. By providing a platform for robotic spaceflight that can return to Earth, Space Rider enables the recovery of payloads, experiments, and valuable data, fostering innovation and reducing space debris. Its development underscores Europe's commitment to advancing its space infrastructure and securing its role in the global space economy.

## Notable For
- Being an uncrewed, reusable spaceplane developed by the European Space Agency (ESA).
- Its design for launch by the Vega rocket, a retired European expendable orbital launch vehicle.
- Its full alias, Space Reusable Integrated Demonstrator for Europe Return.

## Body

### Overview
Space Rider is an uncrewed space vehicle developed by the European Space Agency (ESA). It is categorized as a spaceplane, an uncrewed spacecraft, and a reusable spacecraft.

### Development and Manufacturing
The manufacturing of Space Rider is undertaken by Thales Alenia Space and Avio.

### Launch Vehicle
Space Rider is designed to be launched into orbit by the Vega rocket. The Vega rocket is a retired European expendable orbital launch vehicle.

### Characteristics and Classification
- **Type**: Uncrewed space vehicle
- **Classifications**:
    - Spaceplane (airplane capable of space flight)
    - Uncrewed spacecraft (spacecraft without people on board, used for robotic spaceflight)
    - Reusable spacecraft (spacecraft designed to be reused)

### Identifiers and Online Presence
- **Alias**: Space Reusable Integrated Demonstrator for Europe Return
- **Twitter**: @esa_SpaceRider (account created 2014-09-27)
- **Website**: https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Space_Rider (English language)
- **Wikipedia**: Available in multiple languages including Arabic, German, English, French, Italian, Japanese, Dutch, Portuguese, Russian, and Slovak.