Currently the space and satellite sector accounts for almost 2% of Luxembourg’s GDP, having grown from essentially nothing three decades ago.

A Japanese probe reached Venus today and prepared to enter orbit on a two-year mission that will mark a major milestone for the country's space programme and could shed light on the climate of Earth's mysterious neighbour.

A Japanese space probe is heading back toward an asteroid for a second landing attempt after failing to touch down over the weekend, space agency officials said today.

A research probe failed to touch down on an asteroid today after manoeuvring within yards to collect surface samples, Japan’s space agency said.