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Themis: ESA's Game-Changing Reusable Rocket Ready for Tests

9/19/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Themis, ESA's first reusable rocket demonstrator, is fully assembled at its launch pad in Kiruna, Sweden.
Standing 30 meters tall, it uses the Prometheus engine, generating 100 tonnes of thrust.
Themis will conduct low-altitude tests to demonstrate rocket stage recovery and reuse.
It was transported over 3,000 km from France and is part of the EU-funded SALTO project.
The ITRE committee highlighted Themis's significance for enhancing Europe's space capabilities and strategic autonomy.

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Story summary

Themis, ESA's first reusable rocket demonstrator, is fully assembled at its launch pad in Kiruna, Sweden.
Standing 30 meters tall, it uses the Prometheus engine, generating 100 tonnes of thrust.
Themis will conduct low-altitude tests to demonstrate rocket stage recovery and reuse.
It was transported over 3,000 km from France and is part of the EU-funded SALTO project.
The ITRE committee highlighted Themis's significance for enhancing Europe's space capabilities and strategic autonomy.