The 27th ESA Symposium on European Rocket and Balloon Programmes and Related Research took place from 31 May to 4 June 2026 in Trondheim, Norway.
The symposium brought together researchers, engineers and students to present results and developments in the use of rockets and balloons for atmospheric and ionospheric studies, as well as microgravity research.
Presentations covered biological research in microgravity, granular materials and the physical processes involved in planet formation. Contributions also addressed atmospheric measurements using sounding rockets, the use of rockets and balloons in education, and the technical infrastructure available across Participating States.
Students involved in the REXUS/BEXUS programme contributed to the symposium, highlighting hands-on activities supported by ESA Education.
Recent campaigns investigate the middle atmosphere and orbital debris, including the study of re-entering particles. A workshop co-organised by DLR Moraba (Mobile Rocket Base), SSC Esrange and Andøya Space presented initiatives such as the Atmospheric Composition in the Constellation Era (AC2E), which aim to improve understanding of the impact of rocket launches and satellite re-entries on the atmosphere.
The symposium also included contributions from international partners, including the United States, Canada and Brazil. The planned COBRA intertropical balloon launch base in Brazil will complement Arctic launch sites such as Esrange and Andøya, supporting a broader global approach to high-altitude research. Brazil has also indicated interest in resuming sounding rocket activities.
Credits: Andoya Space