[Satellite Today 07-21-09] Thales Alenia Space was awarded a contract from the European Space Agency (ESA) to develop an experimental re-entry test-bed spacecraft, intended to demonstrate re-entry technologies for complex atmospheric entry vehicles, Thales Alenia Space announced July 20.
    Thales Alenia Space will be responsible for the design consolidation, development and integration of the vehicle and will lead a consortium formed by major European industries and integrated with research centers and universities.
    The spacecraft is scheduled for launch by a Russian Volna rocket at the end of 2010.