This article is based on an official press release from Isar Aerospace.

Isar Aerospace has officially inaugurated a new acceptance test facility at the Esrange Space Center in Kiruna, Sweden. Announced on February 4, 2026, the opening marks a significant transition for the Munich-based launch provider as it shifts focus from prototype development to the industrial-scale production of its Spectrum launch vehicle.

The new site is purpose-built to verify the flight readiness of manufactured hardware, a critical step in ensuring high-cadence Launch operations. According to the company, the facility is designed to test over 30 Aquila engines per month, alongside fully integrated rocket stages. This infrastructure expansion comes just weeks before Isar Aerospace attempts its second Test-Flights, mission “Onward and Upward,” scheduled to First-Flight from Andøya Spaceport in Norway in March 2026.

Industrializing Launch Capabilities

Unlike development testing, which focuses on validating design concepts, acceptance testing is the final quality control step before hardware is shipped to the launch pad. Isar Aerospace stated in their press release that the new facility is specifically engineered to remove production bottlenecks. By securing dedicated infrastructure for acceptance testing, the company aims to ensure that every engine and stage coming off the assembly line is immediately qualified for flight.

The facility operates alongside Isar’s existing vertical test stand (VTS-2) at Esrange, which has been utilized for development testing since 2019. The addition of the new site allows for parallel operations: R&D can continue on the vertical stand while the new facility handles the volume required for serial production.

“Scaling reliable access to space requires not only advanced launch vehicle design but also the right infrastructure to support rapid development and production. With our second test facility at Esrange, we are unlocking new capabilities and accelerating our progress.”

, Daniel Metzler, CEO & Co-Founder, Isar Aerospace

Capacity and Specs

The new infrastructure significantly increases the company’s throughput. Isar Aerospace reports that the site is equipped to handle the acceptance testing of more than 30 Aquila engines monthly. Furthermore, the site supports integrated stage testing, allowing engineers to verify the entire rocket stage as a cohesive unit before it leaves Sweden.

Strategic Context: The Race for European Sovereignty

The opening of this facility highlights the intensifying race among European launch Startups to provide sovereign access to space. Isar Aerospace is competing with peers such as Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) and Orbex to fill the gap in Europe’s launch market. By vertically integrating its testing capabilities, Isar Aerospace reduces reliance on shared facilities, potentially giving it an advantage in scheduling and launch cadence.

Swedish Space Corporation (SSC), which operates Esrange, emphasized the importance of this Partnerships for the broader European ecosystem.

“This new facility strengthens Europe’s path toward scalable and reliable access to space… Together, we are building the infrastructure that will enable a new generation of launch services.”

, Mats Tyni, Director of Business Development, SSC

AirPro News Analysis

The distinction between “development” and “acceptance” testing is often overlooked, yet it is the primary hurdle for launch companies moving from a single successful flight to a commercial service. In our view, Isar Aerospace’s Investments in a high-volume acceptance facility signals confidence in their hardware design. It suggests the company believes the Aquila engine design is mature enough to freeze for mass production. If the upcoming March 2026 flight is successful, this infrastructure will be the key enabler that allows them to fulfill their backlog without the testing bottlenecks that have historically plagued the industry.

Upcoming Mission: “Onward and Upward”

The facility inauguration serves as a prelude to Isar Aerospace’s next major milestone. The company confirmed that its second test flight, dubbed “Onward and Upward,” is targeted for a launch window in March 2026. This mission will utilize the Spectrum vehicle, a two-stage rocket designed to carry up to 1,000 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

The Spectrum vehicle relies on the Aquila engines tested at Esrange, which utilize Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and Propane. Following a flight termination during the first test launch in March 2025, the company has conducted extensive hot-fire tests to validate system corrections. The new acceptance facility will likely play a central role in qualifying engines for vehicles 3 through 7, which are currently planned for concurrent production.

Sources

• Isar Aerospace Press Release
• Swedish Space Corporation (SSC)

This article is based on an official press release from NASA and mission documentation regarding the SpaceX Crew-12 expedition.

NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 Set for Accelerated Launch to Study Human Adaptation in Orbit

NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 mission is preparing for a critical long-duration science expedition aboard the International Space Station (ISS). According to official mission reports, the launch target has been moved forward to February 11, 2026. This adjustment aims to restore a full crew complement to the orbiting laboratory following the early medical evacuation of the previous rotation, Crew-11.

The mission, utilizing the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft “Freedom” and a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket, will launch from Space Launch Complex 40 in Florida. The four-person international crew, comprising astronauts from NASA, ESA, and Roscosmos, will spend approximately nine months in orbit. Their primary scientific objective is to investigate “Adaptation to Altered Gravity,” a suite of experiments designed to understand how the human body and sensorimotor skills cope with transitions between different gravity fields.

Scientific Focus: Preparing for Moon and Mars

The core of the Crew-12 science manifest addresses the physiological hurdles of deep space exploration. As humans prepare for missions to the Moon and eventually Mars, understanding how the body reacts to long-term microgravity, and the subsequent return to gravity, is paramount.

The Venous Flow Study

One of the headline experiments, led by Principal Investigator Dr. Jason Lytle of NASA, focuses on the cardiovascular system. In the weightless environment of space, fluids shift toward the head, which can alter blood flow in the jugular veins and potentially increase the risk of blood clots. The crew will perform ultrasounds, undergo MRIs, and provide blood samples to monitor these changes.

In a statement regarding the study’s significance for future exploration, Dr. Lytle explained:

“Our goal is to use this information to better understand how fluid shifts affect clotting risk, so that when astronauts go on long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars, we can build the best strategies to keep them safe.”

, Dr. Jason Lytle, Physiologist at NASA’s Johnson Space Center

Manual Piloting and “Space Fog”

Another critical study, led by Dr. Scott Wood, examines the neurological impact of gravitational transitions. When astronauts return to gravity after months in space, they often experience disorientation, sometimes referred to as “space fog.” This presents a safety risk if a crew member must manually land a spacecraft on a planetary surface.

To study this, Crew-12 astronauts will use laptop-based simulators to perform lunar landing tasks before, during, and immediately after their mission. Dr. Wood highlighted the operational necessity of this research:

“Astronauts may experience disorientation during gravitational transitions, which can make tasks like landing a spacecraft challenging… We’ll monitor their ability to manually override, redirect, and control a vehicle, which will guide our strategy for training Artemis crews.”

, Dr. Scott Wood, Neuroscientist at NASA Johnson Space Center

Crew Profile: Veterans and Rookies

The Crew-12 roster blends extensive flight experience with specialized new talent. The crew includes:

• Commander Jessica Meir (NASA): A biologist and physiologist making her second flight. Meir previously participated in the first all-female spacewalk during Expedition 61/62.
• Pilot Jack Hathaway (NASA): A rookie astronaut and former Naval Aviator selected in the 2021 class. He brings over 2,500 flight hours of test pilot experience.
• Mission Specialist Sophie Adenot (ESA): A helicopter test pilot and the first of the ESA 2022 class to fly. Her individual mission is titled “Epsilon” (ε).
• Mission Specialist Andrey Fedyaev (Roscosmos): A military pilot making his second flight. He is notable for being the first Russian cosmonaut to fly twice on a SpaceX Dragon vehicle.

The “Epsilon” Mission

ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot’s mission, “Epsilon,” carries symbolic weight. The Greek letter represents a “small quantity” in mathematics, which Adenot notes is a metaphor for the individual’s contribution to the massive collective effort of space exploration. She is scheduled to conduct approximately 200 experiments, including specific technology demonstrations managed by the French space agency’s CADMOS center.

Operational Context and Timeline

The operational tempo for Crew-12 has been dictated by recent events aboard the ISS. According to mission documentation, the station is currently operating with a reduced “skeleton crew” of three following the medical evacuation of Crew-11 in January. The arrival of Crew-12 is urgent to resume full scientific operations and maintenance schedules.

If the launch cannot proceed on the primary target of February 11, backup opportunities are available on February 12 and 13.

AirPro News Analysis

The specific focus on “Venous Flow” and “Manual Piloting” signals a shift in NASA’s research priorities from general ISS habitation to specific deep-space survival methodologies. While blood flow has been studied for decades, the explicit link to “clotting risk” suggests growing concern over medical emergencies in transit to Mars, where evacuation is impossible.

Furthermore, the emphasis on manual piloting during gravitational transitions suggests that NASA is not relying solely on automation for Artemis lunar landings. By testing how “space fog” affects reaction times, the agency is likely developing new protocols that require astronauts to prove cognitive readiness before attempting manual maneuvers in lunar orbit. This data will be crucial for the safety of future Artemis crews attempting landings after long transit periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the launch date for Crew-12?

The mission is targeted to launch No Earlier Than (NET) February 11, 2026.

Who is commanding the mission?

NASA astronaut Jessica Meir, a biologist and veteran of Expedition 61/62, will serve as Commander.

What is the primary science goal?

The mission focuses on “Adaptation to Altered Gravity,” studying how human physiology and motor skills adapt to microgravity and the return to planetary gravity.

Why was the launch date moved up?

The launch was accelerated to restore a full crew to the ISS after the previous crew (Crew-11) had to return to Earth early due to a medical issue.

Sources

• NASA

ST Engineering Unveils Next-Gen Space Strategy with NeuSAR-2 and NEBULA

At the Space Summit during the Singapore Airshow 2026, ST Engineering officially unveiled the next phase of its space program, signaling a strategic pivot from standalone large satellites to a coordinated network of smaller, smarter, and highly connected spacecraft. The announcement introduces the NeuSAR-2 constellation, the NEBULA laser communication pathfinder, and the AI-enabled POLARIS satellite.

These developments arrive as Singapore prepares to formalize its presence in the global space economy with the establishment of the National Space-Agencies of Singapore (NSAS), scheduled for April 1, 2026. According to ST Engineering, the new roadmap focuses on high-frequency monitoring and ultra-fast data connectivity, leveraging the company’s established engineering heritage to capture a larger share of the global satellite market.

NeuSAR-2: A New Era of Radar Constellations

Central to the announcement is the development of the NeuSAR-2 constellation. This system will consist of four Synthetic Aperture Radar-Systems (SAR) satellites designed to provide all-weather, day-and-night monitoring of the Earth. Unlike optical satellites, which can be blocked by cloud cover, SAR technology uses radar pulses to image the surface, making it essential for maritime security and disaster response in the tropics.

ST Engineering has confirmed that the first satellite in this constellation is scheduled for launch in 2027, with the full constellation expected to be operational by 2030. A key technical advancement in the NeuSAR-2 program is the reduction in mass, the company describes the new satellites as “three times lighter” than their predecessors. This reduction suggests a move toward the “New Space” class of agile satellites, which typically offer lower launch costs and faster deployment timelines.

“Our space programme is founded on proven engineering excellence and technical innovation… enabling us to develop more advanced SAR and optical imaging satellites in Singapore for a wide range of missions.”

, Low Jin Phang, President for Digital Systems, ST Engineering

Optimized for the Equator

The constellation is specifically optimized for Near-Equatorial Orbit (NEqO). This orbital path allows for high-revisit coverage of the equatorial region, a critical capability for monitoring busy shipping lanes like the Malacca Strait and supporting environmental Sustainability efforts in tropical zones.

NEBULA and POLARIS: Connectivity and Intelligence

alongside the radar constellation, ST Engineering introduced two other major pillars of its roadmap: the NEBULA laser communications demonstrator and the POLARIS optical satellite.

NEBULA: The “Fiber Optic Network in Space”

Scheduled for delivery in the second half of 2026, NEBULA is a pathfinder satellite designed to test inter-satellite laser links (ISLL). Developed in partnership with Singapore-based space tech Startups Transcelestial, NEBULA aims to overcome the bandwidth limitations of traditional radio frequency (RF) communications.

Transcelestial will provide the laser communication terminals, while ST Engineering leads the design and integration of the satellite bus. The goal is to enable data transfer speeds of gigabits per second, effectively creating a high-speed network in orbit that can securely relay information between satellites and ground stations.

“Establishing a scalable high bandwidth space network… has been the core mission for the team from Day 1. Singapore is home to Transcelestial… and now that role is expected to expand beyond the region.”

, Rohit Jha, CEO, Transcelestial

POLARIS: AI at the Edge

The POLARIS program represents a leap in optical imaging by integrating onboard AI processing. Traditional earth observation satellites typically download raw images to be processed on the ground, which can introduce delays. POLARIS is designed to analyze data in orbit, known as edge computing, allowing it to detect objects or environmental changes in real-time. This capability significantly reduces the “time to insight” for operators requiring immediate situational awareness.

AirPro News Analysis

The shift toward lighter, networked satellites like NeuSAR-2 and NEBULA reflects a broader industry trend where agility and revisit rates are valued over the raw capacity of massive, singular platforms. By focusing on the Near-Equatorial Orbit, ST Engineering is carving out a specific niche that differentiates it from global competitors who primarily utilize Sun-Synchronous Orbits (polar orbits) for global coverage.

Furthermore, the collaboration with Transcelestial on NEBULA highlights a “Singapore Inc.” strategy, pairing the industrial scale of a defense prime with the agility of a startup. This ecosystem approach is likely intended to bolster the country’s competitiveness ahead of the NSAS formation. The commercial viability of this strategy was recently validated by ST Engineering’s selection by FADA (under the UAE’s EDGE Group) to support the Sirb programme, marking a significant export of Singaporean space intellectual property.

New Geospatial Solutions

Beyond hardware, ST Engineering announced new Software platforms aimed at managing the increasingly congested space environment and supporting sustainability goals:

• MiNERVA HUB: A Space Situational Awareness (SSA) platform designed to track space objects, analyze collision risks, and forecast space weather.
• Earthsurance: A monitoring platform that utilizes satellite data to verify deforestation and emission reduction efforts, providing trusted data for the carbon credit market.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the NeuSAR-2 constellation be fully operational?
The first satellite is scheduled for launch in 2027, with the full constellation of four satellites expected to be operational by 2030.

What is the significance of the NEBULA satellite?
NEBULA is a demonstrator for laser communications, allowing satellites to transfer data at gigabit speeds. It represents a move away from slower radio frequency communications toward a “fiber optic” speed network in space.

What is the National Space Agency of Singapore (NSAS)?
The NSAS is a new government body set to be formed on April 1, 2026. It will provide a formal regulatory and strategic backbone to Singapore’s growing space industry.

Sources

• ST Engineering