Space Giants Unite: Europe's Satellite Merger Talks Ignite

Airbus UK secures a $194 million contract to develop a Mars rover landing platform. Meanwhile, Isar Aerospace's rocket test fails after a 40-second flight. European satellite firms Airbus, Thales, and Leonardo engage in early merger discussions with EU regulators, though outcomes are not expected soon.

The British arm of Airbus has clinched a significant $194 million contract from the European Space Agency to design the landing platform for a landmark British-made rover set to descend on Mars in 2030. The development comes after the Rosalind Franklin rover's earlier plans were derailed due to geopolitical conflicts.

In a notable setback for Europe's space ambitions, a German startup's rocket test ended in flames. Aimed at initiating satellite launches from Europe, the rocket burst into pieces 40 seconds post-launch in Norway. Isar Aerospace's Spectrum rocket was notably the continent's pioneering orbital flight attempt.

In a major consolidation move, top European aerospace firms Airbus, Thales, and Leonardo are in early discussions with EU competition regulators about possibly merging their satellite businesses. Though merely at the pre-notification stage, this initiative marks a step towards creating a unified European satellite entity.

(With inputs from agencies.)