Redwire Secures ESA Contract for Pivotal ARRAKIHS Mission Design in Space Exploration
- Redwire secured a contract with ESA to design the spacecraft for the ARRAKIHS mission exploring dark matter and faint galaxies.
- Redwire's Belgian subsidiary will lead studies using its Hammerhead satellite platform and advanced avionics validated in ESA’s Hera mission.
- The company's experience in spacecraft development supports its key role in the ARRAKIHS mission and other ESA projects.
Redwire Takes a Leading Role in ESA’s ARRAKIHS Mission Design
Redwire Corporation, a significant player in the space infrastructure sector, has recently secured a pivotal study contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) to design the preliminary spacecraft for the ARRAKIHS mission. This mission aims to explore the mysteries of dark matter and capture images of faint galaxies, marking an important step in advancing our understanding of the universe. The contract is awarded to Redwire's Belgian subsidiary, Redwire Space NV, which will spearhead one of two concurrent industry studies focused on the Analysis of Resolved Remnants for Accreted Galaxies as a Key Instrument for Halo Surveys. The mission represents a notable collaboration between Redwire and ESA, showcasing the company’s capability in developing advanced space technologies.
The design for the ARRAKIHS mission will leverage Redwire's established Hammerhead small satellite platform and sophisticated avionics, tools previously validated in ESA’s Hera mission. If the project progresses to subsequent phases, Redwire is poised to integrate the satellite using its state-of-the-art cleanroom facilities located in Belgium. Erik Masure, President of Redwire International, articulates the company’s pride in being recognized as a key partner in significant international space missions. He emphasizes Redwire’s extensive track record in the space sector, which reinforces its qualifications for this groundbreaking project.
ESA’s ARRAKIHS Project Manager, Carlos Corral van Damme, underscores the innovative nature of the mission, which integrates a unique payload with a quasi-recurring platform. This approach is designed to expedite the transition from concept to scientific data delivery, thereby fostering rapid advancements in space exploration. The parallel studies being conducted for ARRAKIHS will ensure that the project is well-prepared for its implementation phase, expected to receive approval from the Science Program Committee by mid-2026. Redwire’s European facility, with over 40 years of experience in spacecraft development, has previously supported a range of successful ESA initiatives, which further underscores the company’s integral role in shaping the future of space technology.
In addition to the ARRAKIHS mission, Redwire continues to contribute to various ESA projects, including the Skimsat and the International Berthing and Docking Mechanism for the lunar Gateway. This ongoing engagement highlights Redwire’s commitment to advancing space exploration and technology. As the company prepares to embark on this new endeavor with ESA, it reinforces its position as a leader in the space infrastructure industry.