AGP Executive Report
Last update: 9 hours agoMercury Arrival: After nearly eight years since its 2018 Ariane 5 launch from Kourou, ESA/JAXA’s BepiColombo has entered its Mercury arrival phase, with its Mercury Transfer Module releasing the two orbiters for a final approach that should take about six more months. Weather Satellite Upgrade (MTG-I2): Europe’s Meteosat Third Generation is getting stronger: MTG-I2 was launched from French Guiana on Ariane 6, completing the first three-satellite imaging set and aiming for rapid-scan views of Europe every 2.5 minutes to improve storm, fog, wildfire, and lightning monitoring. Local Launch Tech in Focus: Coverage from Kourou highlights how satellites are prepared and how flight safety teams manage real-time tracking and fast “neutralisation” decisions to protect people during launches. European Launcher Challenge Funding: ESA signed early contracts to expand Europe’s launch options—Isar Aerospace (€197.8M), PLD Space (€158.9M), and Rocket Factory Augsburg (€186.9M)—with milestone-based funding pushing providers to prove they can reach orbit by 2028. PLD Space Growth: PLD Space also extended its Series C by €108M to €288M total, backing MIURA 5 scaling and production ramp-up.
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