The program to develop the Themis reusable launcher originally kicked off in 2019. According to information from ArianeGroup and ESA, its first test flight is scheduled for spring 2026. This test flight will be conducted from the Esrange Space Centre in northern Sweden, near Kiruna.
Preparations For Themis’ First Low-Altitude Test Flight
The Themis T1H (1-Engine Hop) is a low-altitude test rocket from the SALTO (Reusable Strategic Space Launcher Technologies & Operations) project. With this EC-funded reusable launcher, ESA hopes to enable the region to better compete with the US and China.
Seven years after the start of this project and with an extra €230 million invested by the ESA, the first test model from this program is being prepared for lift-off. Other rockets currently under development by ArianeGroup for the SALTO project are the T1E (Evolution) for medium-altitude tests and the T3 (3-engine) for high-altitude tests.
According to Toni Tolker-Nielsen, acting Director of ESA’s Space Transportation program, the reason the Themis T1H hasn’t flown yet is due to the fact that the launch facility in northern Sweden is under heavy snowfall. By spring, when the snow thaws, the rockets will be ready for their first low-altitude test launch.
Details On The Themis Reusable Launcher Scheduled For Launch By Spring 2026
Since this soon-to-be-tested reusable launcher aims to ensure that Europe is well represented on the global scene, it must feature decent specifications. One of such specifications that might get rocket heads excited is that this launcher was designed to land vertically for recovery.
This launcher is 30 metres tall and features a single 100-ton thrust class Promethus engine. Powering this engine is liquid oxygen (LOX) and liquid methane.
To be able to land vertically, this launcher will rely on its MT Aerospace-designed integrated landing legs. The coming test launch of the Themis reusable launcher will set the pace for the European space industry.