The SpaceX Dragon Capsule is expected to have a new competitor, The Exploration Company, a European startup that works on its own reusable spacecraft.  

(Photo : SpaceX)
SpaceX Dragon Capsule's New Competitor To Arrive? European Startup Works on Reusable Rocket Alternative!

The space firm's CEO and co-founder, Helene Huby, explained that Europe is always behind the United States regarding the space race. 

This has been the same scenario for the past ten years. Before Huby founded their new startup, she worked as the European Service Module's Vice President at Airbus. 

However, she decided to let go of her position in August 2021 and start her own company that focuses on reusable rockets. 

SpaceX Dragon Capsule's New Competitor To Arrive?

According to TechCrunch's latest report, Huby resigned from her recent work because she no longer wants to work on a space vehicle that is not reusable or can't be refueled. 

Also Read: SpaceX Falcon Heavy to Launch NASA's Roman Telescope for Dark Matter, Exoplanets, and MORE

"I didn't want to spend my life working on a vehicle that is not reusable, cannot be refueled," said The Exploration Company's CEO. 

Thanks to her efforts, the rising European aerospace startup acquired a $5.3 million seed round, led by Promus Ventures. 

As of press time, the workforce of The Exploration Company has already reached 30 employees. Helene claimed their new firm is unlike other space companies since their co-founders came from other space corporations.  

The Exploration Company's Reusable Rocket

Before 2022 ends, The Exploration Company plans to launch its re-entry orbital vehicle demonstrator called "Bikini." After that, they will say their first functional prototype around 2024. 

As of writing, their 2024 mission is already 80% pre-booked with client payloads. In 2026, the rising European space firm will send Nyx, its proper orbital vehicle, into its maiden flight. 

The official website of The Exploration Company said that the name of their reusable rocket came from Nyx, a Greek goddess with excellent navigation skills. 

Nyx will have two components; the capsule and service module. Aside from this, it will also use solar panels, heatshield, and reusable cryo-engines. 

It will be powerful enough to carry up to 4,000 kilograms to low Earth orbit. 

The new reusable rocket can do this for up to six months. If you want to see further details about the new SpaceX Dragon Capsule competitor, you can visit this link. 

Meanwhile, Elon Musk recently admitted that SpaceX Starship's point design was inspired by the comedy movie "The Dictator." 

On the other hand, experts claim that there will be new militarized SpaceX Starship rockets. 

For more news updates about reusable spacecraft and other kinds of rockets, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.  

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Written by: Griffin Davis