Added launch (launch time per https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/09/as-europe-flounders-in-space-a-rising-french-star-may-show-the-way/)
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ArianespaceTo Be Determined
Nyx ALADDIN
Ariane 64
The Exploration Company's Nyx spacecraft, a reusable space vehicle designed to transport cargo to and from low Earth orbit, will fly its first demonstration mission for the European Space Agency (ESA) under the ALADDIN (Autonomous LEO Accelerated Demo Docking to ISS Node) initiative. The spacecraft will demonstrate European-based space station resupply capability by rendezvous and dock to the International Space Station (ISS), then undock and return to Earth.
November 2028 · day pending
Latest published target
November 2028 · date to be confirmed. The day and time remain unconfirmed.
Source record updated
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Target pending
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LAUNCH SITEGuiana Space Centre, French Guiana
Mission
The Exploration Company's Nyx spacecraft, a reusable space vehicle designed to transport cargo to and from low Earth orbit, will fly its first demonstration mission for the European Space Agency (ESA) under the ALADDIN (Autonomous LEO Accelerated Demo Docking to ISS Node) initiative. The spacecraft will demonstrate European-based space station resupply capability by rendezvous and dock to the International Space Station (ISS), then undock and return to Earth.
- Launch vehicle
- Ariane 64
- Mission type
- Test Flight
- Destination orbit
- Low Earth Orbit
- Launch pad
- Ariane Launch Area 4
- Provider
- Arianespace
The vehicle
Published configuration and flight history.
Launch vehicle
Ariane 64
Ariane 6 variant with four solid boosters, enabling heavier payloads.
- Height
- 63 m
- Diameter
- 5.4 m
- Stages
- 2
- Recorded launches
- 2
- First flight
- 2026-02-12
Launch window
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A precise launch window has not been published.
Launch site & orbit
Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana
The mission in perspective
Launch site & orbit
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Coverage & sources
Mission coverage
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Further reading
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