2026
Space milestones
Kayser Italia evolves into Kayser Space
On 14 April, the new Kayser Space identity is presented, bringing together space systems development and microgravity services. In its fortieth anniversary year, the company reports over 100 missions and an overall workforce of approximately 200 professionals. The new identity accompanies the expansion of activities and company size.
PLATO enters a decisive phase
In July, important tests on PLATO’s electronics are completed. Kayser builds the mission’s Instrument Control Unit, taking its expertise in electronics and systems control from low-orbit infrastructure to major European scientific missions.
Kayser delivers the PROSPECT Imaging System to Leonardo S.p.A.
Kayser delivers the Imaging System (IS) to Leonardo, developed as part of ESA’s PROSPECT programme. Designed for mounting on a lunar lander or rover, the instrument includes a camera capable of acquiring images across a wide range of wavelengths. The system enables dimensional measurements and supports operations on the lunar surface through real-time image acquisition.
Artemis II takes astronauts around the Moon again
The first crewed Artemis mission takes astronauts around the Moon, marking the return of humans beyond Earth orbit after more than fifty years.
Missions & Payloads
SpaceX CRS-34
Dragon capsule cargo mission to the International Space Station. It delivers experiments, hardware and supplies and returns biological samples, materials and scientific equipment to Earth.
ASTROBONE
Experiment dedicated to studying b.Bone, a biomimetic bone substitute developed by GreenBone Ortho. The material derives from rattan, whose porous three-dimensional structure resembles that of human bone. A biomorphic transformation process converts the plant structure into a calcium phosphate- and hydroxyapatite-based material, preserving its three-dimensional architecture. The experiment uses Kayser hardware adapted for use in the ISS KUBIK incubator. Kayser Space designs and builds 16 Experiment Units that house the b.Bone scaffold and cells. The project is funded by ESA, with Kayser as a subcontractor to GreenBone Ortho and scientific input from DIMES at the University of Genoa.
APHRODITE
Italian technology demonstrator based on lab-on-chip technology, designed to perform biological analyses directly in space. The name derives from Autonomous PHotosensing Reusable Onboard Device for Immunological Tests Execution. It analyses salivary biomarkers associated with stress and changes in the immune system, particularly cortisol and DHEA-S. The aim is to enable rapid, non-invasive analyses on board without having to return samples to Earth, an important capability for future long-duration missions. It is transported to the ISS on SpaceX Crew-12, launched on 13 February 2026. The programme includes five complete analysis cycles and is funded by ASI under the VUS3 – ISS4EXPLORATION programme.