Space & Satellites
ESA Assembles Themis Europe’s First Reusable Rocket Demonstrator
ESA completes assembly of Themis, Europe’s first reusable rocket demonstrator, set for vertical landing tests in Sweden starting 2025.
The European Space Agencies (ESA) has marked a pivotal milestone in its pursuit of reusable launch technology with the successful assembly of the Themis demonstrator at Sweden’s Esrange Space Center. This 30-meter-tall vehicle, powered by the innovative Prometheus methane-fueled engine, is Europe’s first full-scale attempt at developing vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, a technology that has transformed the economics and strategy of space access globally. Themis now stands on four landing legs at its Kiruna launch pad, set to conduct Europe’s first cryogenic propulsion recovery trials. With initial hop tests planned for later in 2025, Themis could reshape the European space launch landscape and bolster the continent’s strategic autonomy in space.
The completion of Themis is not only a technical achievement but also a strategic response to the dominance of reusable rockets in the global market, particularly those developed by SpaceX. As Europe seeks to maintain its relevance and competitiveness in the commercial launch sector, Themis represents both a technological leap and a symbol of continental collaboration, innovation, and ambition.
Europe’s approach to rocket development has historically emphasized reliability and performance, with expendable launchers like the Ariane series dominating the commercial market for decades. However, the rise of SpaceX and its reusable Falcon 9 system fundamentally altered the economics of space access, prompting the European Space Agency and its partners to reconsider their strategy. The Themis program, officially adopted in 2019, is ESA’s direct response to this shift, aiming to bridge the competitive gap and ensure Europe’s independent access to space.
The urgency for a new approach became evident as SpaceX’s launch cadence and cost-effectiveness surged. In 2023 alone, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 completed 138 orbital flights, while Europe’s Ariane 6 was still in its inaugural phase. This disparity underscored the need for Europe to invest in reusability, not just for economic reasons but also for strategic and political autonomy.
The Themis program builds on decades of European rocketry expertise, with ArianeGroup as the prime contractor and support from multiple European nations. Backed by €39 million in EU funding through the SALTO initiative, Themis is both a technological experiment and a statement of intent: Europe is committed to regaining its competitive edge in space transportation.
The Themis demonstrator is a 30-meter-tall, 3.5-meter-diameter rocket stage designed for vertical takeoff and landing tests. Its structure includes a Multi-Engine Bay (MEB), fuel tanks, a Flight Control Bay (FCB), and a robust upper segment. The vehicle’s propulsion is provided by the Prometheus engine, which offers restart capability and deep throttling, both essential for controlled landings.
The Prometheus engine, burning liquid methane and liquid oxygen, can deliver approximately 100 tonnes of thrust and modulate between 30% and 110% of maximum power. This flexibility is a significant departure from previous European engines and is crucial for the vehicle’s planned hop and landing maneuvers.
A distinctive feature of Themis is its four seven-meter landing legs, manufactured by MT Aerospace in Germany. These legs are designed to withstand the stresses of repeated landings and include integrated aerocovers for aerodynamic efficiency. The vehicle’s avionics, grid fins, and advanced software enable precise navigation and landing within a 20 x 20 meter area. “The Themis demonstrator incorporates advanced design features, including throttleable engines and robust landing legs, to enable safe and precise vertical landings, technologies that are foundational for reusable launchers.”
The assembly process, culminating at Esrange, involved transporting the main stage over 3,000 kilometers from France and installing the landing legs on site. This marked the first time the rocket was fully assembled in its operational configuration, ready for integrated systems testing and flight trials.
The SALTO project, funded by the European Commission under Horizon Europe, exemplifies the collaborative spirit driving European space innovation. SALTO, short for “reuSable strAtegic space Launcher Technologies & Operations”, brings together 25 partners from 12 countries, including major industry players, research centers, and SMEs.
Key participants include ArianeGroup (the project coordinator), DLR, CNES, ONERA, IRT Jules Verne, INCAS, and several leading aerospace companies. This broad consortium enables the sharing of expertise and resources, accelerating technological progress and spreading risk across the continent.
SALTO’s methodology represents a cultural shift for European aerospace: rather than exhaustive ground testing before flight, the project adopts a “test and learn” approach, conducting incremental tests with known risks and iterating rapidly. The main activity centers on a test campaign at Esrange, involving a series of low-altitude flights to validate reusability and refurbishment strategies.
“The SALTO initiative marks a fundamental change in European space development, emphasizing rapid prototyping and learning from flight data, a strategy inspired by the successes of commercial space operators.”
Financially, the project has received substantial backing. In November 2024, ESA allocated €230 million to ArianeGroup for continued development, infrastructure, and demonstration activities, signaling strong institutional commitment to the reusability agenda.
The Prometheus engine is central to Themis and to Europe’s future in reusable launchers. Developed since 2017, Prometheus is a methane-fueled, gas-generator-cycle engine designed for low-cost production and operational flexibility. Its name, a nod to the mythological figure who gave fire to humanity, also stands for “Precursor Reusable Oxygen Methane cost Effective propulsion System.”
Prometheus is engineered for mass production, with up to 50% of its components made using 3D printing. This approach, combined with a simplified architecture, aims to cut production costs by a factor of ten compared to the Vulcain 2 engine, targeting a price of about one million euros per unit.
The use of methane offers operational and environmental benefits. Methane is easier and cheaper to store than hydrogen, and its higher density allows for more compact, reusable stages. ESA and CNES are also investigating bio-methane production at the Guiana Space Centre, potentially enabling more sustainable operations. “Prometheus is designed for reusability, low cost, and operational flexibility, qualities essential for Europe’s next generation of launch vehicles.”
The engine has undergone extensive testing, including multiple hot-fires and successful restart sequences, demonstrating its readiness for integration with Themis and future European launchers.
The push for reusable rockets in Europe is driven by both economic necessity and strategic ambition. SpaceX has demonstrated that reusability can dramatically reduce launch costs; its Falcon 9 launches are estimated at $67 million, with significant savings from booster recovery. In contrast, European launchers like Ariane 5 and Ariane 6 have faced higher costs, contributing to a declining market share.
Reusable technology promises to restore European competitiveness and reduce reliance on foreign providers for critical government and commercial missions. It also supports European sovereignty in space, a priority as space infrastructure becomes increasingly vital for communications, security, and scientific research.
However, challenges remain. SpaceX’s success is partly due to high internal demand (e.g., Starlink), which allows frequent reuse and amortization of development costs. Europe will need sustained institutional support and a robust launch manifest to realize the full economic benefits of reusability.
“Europe’s path to reusability is not just about matching SpaceX, but about developing a strategy that leverages its unique strengths and addresses its own market realities.”
The transition to reusable systems also requires changes in manufacturing, supply chains, and operations, an industry transformation that will take time and investment.
The Themis test campaign is structured to incrementally validate reusable technologies. It will begin with ground-based wet dress rehearsals and engine hot-fires, followed by low-altitude “hop” tests. The first hop, planned for late 2025, will see Themis rise to about 20 meters, testing its ability to land safely and accurately.
Subsequent tests will increase in altitude and complexity, providing data on engine performance, landing precision, and vehicle refurbishment. The goal is to demonstrate not just technical feasibility but also the operational processes needed for rapid turnaround and reuse.
The test site at Esrange is equipped with advanced robotic systems to handle propellant transfer and post-landing operations, supporting the rapid, safe turnaround essential for reusable launchers. The lessons from these tests will inform the design of Ariane Next, Europe’s planned operational reusable launcher for the 2030s. “The Themis campaign is more than a technology demo, it’s a foundational step toward a new era of European space transportation.”
The global space launch industry is rapidly shifting toward reusability, with SpaceX setting new standards for cost, frequency, and operational flexibility. Other players, including China and emerging private companies, are developing their own reusable systems, intensifying competition.
Europe’s challenge is to transition from a legacy of expendable launchers to a new generation of reusable vehicles, while maintaining reliability and serving both commercial and institutional markets. The Kourou launch site in French Guiana remains a strategic asset, especially for geostationary missions, but Europe must adapt to new market realities.
Environmental considerations are also increasingly important. Reusable rockets can reduce space debris and ocean waste, though higher launch frequencies may offset some benefits. Europe’s emphasis on quality and reliability could position it well in markets where mission assurance is paramount.
“Reusable rockets are not just a technological trend, they are becoming an industry standard, and Europe must innovate to remain relevant.”
The assembly of Themis at Esrange marks a watershed moment for European spaceflight. It is a testament to the continent’s technical capabilities, collaborative spirit, and strategic resolve. Themis embodies Europe’s determination to maintain independent access to space and to compete effectively in a rapidly evolving global market.
The upcoming test campaign will be crucial in validating Europe’s reusable rocket technologies and informing the design of future operational systems. Success with Themis could pave the way for cost-competitive, frequent European launches, while any setbacks will provide valuable data for further innovation. The outcome will shape Europe’s space transportation strategy for years to come, ensuring that it remains a key player in the global space economy.
What is the Themis demonstrator? Why is Themis important for Europe? What is the SALTO project? What are the next steps for Themis? How does Themis compare to SpaceX’s rockets?
ESA Completes Assembly of Europe’s First Reusable Rocket Demonstrator: Themis Stands Ready for Historic Vertical Landing Tests in Sweden
Background and Historical Context of European Reusable Rocket Development
Technical Specifications and Assembly Details
The SALTO Project and European Collaboration
Prometheus Engine Technology and Innovation
Strategic and Economic Implications for Europe
Future Testing Campaign and Operational Roadmap
Industry Context and Global Competition
Conclusion and Future Implications
FAQ
Themis is a 30-meter-tall reusable rocket stage developed by ESA and partners to test vertical takeoff and landing technologies using a methane-fueled Prometheus engine.
Themis represents Europe’s first large-scale effort to develop reusable rockets, aiming to reduce launch costs, increase competitiveness, and ensure strategic autonomy in space access.
SALTO is an EU-funded initiative supporting the development and testing of reusable launch technologies, involving 25 partners from 12 countries and coordinated by ArianeGroup.
Themis will undergo a series of ground and flight tests at Esrange, starting with low-altitude “hop” tests to demonstrate vertical landing and rapid turnaround capabilities.
Themis is Europe’s first attempt at a reusable vertical landing rocket, similar in concept to SpaceX’s Falcon 9, but it is still in the demonstrator phase and not yet operational.
Sources
Photo Credit: ESA
Space & Satellites
Vast Space Selected by NASA for Sixth Private Astronaut Mission to ISS
NASA selects Vast Space for the sixth private astronaut mission to the ISS, focusing on science with a launch planned for summer 2027.
This article is based on an official press release from Vast Space.
NASA has officially selected Vast Space to conduct the sixth private astronaut mission (PAM-6) to the International Space Station (ISS). The mission, targeted for launch no earlier than summer 2027, marks a significant expansion in the commercial landscape of Low Earth Orbit (LEO). According to the announcement from the Long Beach-based aerospace company, this selection positions Vast as a key player in NASA’s strategy to transition from government-led operations to a commercial space economy.
The mission will utilize a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and a Dragon spacecraft to transport four private astronauts to the orbiting laboratory. While the specific crew members have not yet been named, Vast confirmed that the mission will focus heavily on science and research, distinguishing it from purely tourism-focused endeavors. This contract award represents a major milestone for Vast, which was founded in 2021 and is simultaneously developing its own commercial space station, Haven-1.
Under the terms of the agreement, the PAM-6 mission is designed to spend up to 14 days docked at the ISS. Vast stated in their press release that the primary objective is to conduct a broad range of experiments, including biology, biotechnology, physical sciences, and human research. This focus aligns with NASA’s requirement that private missions contribute to the utilization of the ISS’s research capabilities.
Vast will be responsible for the end-to-end mission management, including crew selection, training, and mission execution, subject to rigorous approval by NASA and its international partners. The company emphasized that this operational experience is critical for their long-term goals.
“Leveraging the remaining life of the International Space Station with science and research-led commercial crewed missions is a critical part of the transition to commercial space stations and fully unlocking the orbital economy.”
, Max Haot, CEO of Vast
The summer 2027 target date places PAM-6 in a busy operational window for the company. According to company timelines, Vast intends to launch its own single-module space station, Haven-1, in the first quarter of 2027. If these schedules hold, Vast could be managing two separate human spaceflight programs, one to the ISS and one to its own outpost, within the same calendar year.
Vast views the PAM-6 mission as more than just a flight to the ISS; it is an operational pathfinder for their future independent stations. By managing a crewed mission to the ISS, the company aims to refine the logistics, training protocols, and safety procedures required to operate Haven-1 and its planned successor, Haven-2. According to industry data, Vast successfully launched a “Haven Demo” pathfinder spacecraft in November 2025 aboard a SpaceX rideshare mission. That demonstration validated critical subsystems such as avionics and propulsion, likely contributing to NASA’s confidence in awarding the PAM-6 contract.
Dana Weigel, NASA’s ISS Program Manager, highlighted the agency’s goal of fostering a robust commercial market through these missions.
“By hosting private astronaut missions, the station helps accelerate innovation, opens new commercial pathways, and advances research strengthening the foundation of a thriving space economy.”
, Dana Weigel, NASA ISS Program Manager
The selection of Vast for PAM-6 signals a notable shift in the private astronaut market, which has previously been dominated by Axiom Space. Axiom operated the first four private missions to the ISS (Ax-1 through Ax-4) and holds the contract for Ax-5. By selecting a second provider, NASA appears to be actively encouraging competition and reducing reliance on a single vendor for commercial access to the station.
Furthermore, this “dual-track” strategy, where Vast pursues both ISS missions and its own station simultaneously, is aggressive. It suggests that the company is positioning itself not just as a participant in the current ISS program, but as a leading contender for the Commercial LEO Destinations (CLD) program that will eventually replace the ISS around 2030.
When will the mission launch? Who will be on board? What spacecraft will be used? How does this relate to Haven-1?
Vast Space Selected by NASA for Sixth Private Astronaut Mission to ISS
Mission Profile and Objectives
Operational Timeline
Strategic Context: The Road to Haven
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The mission is targeted for launch no earlier than summer 2027.
Vast will select four crew members. Their names have not been announced, but they will undergo NASA and international partner approval.
The mission will use a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft launched atop a Falcon 9 rocket.
Vast plans to launch its own station, Haven-1, in early 2027. The ISS mission (PAM-6) serves as an operational experience builder and risk-reduction exercise for the company’s long-term habitation goals.
Sources
Photo Credit: Vast
Space & Satellites
Hypersonix Announces Launch Window for Cassowary Vex Hypersonic Mission
Hypersonix sets launch window for Cassowary Vex mission in Feb 2026 to test 3D-printed hydrogen scramjet at Mach 7 from MARS, Virginia.
Australian aerospace manufacturer Hypersonix Launch Systems has officially announced the launch window for the first flight of its DART AE (Additive Engineering) hypersonic vehicle. According to the company, the mission, codenamed “Cassowary Vex”, is scheduled to launch no earlier than late February 2026 from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) at Wallops Island, Virginia.
This upcoming flight marks a significant milestone in the development of reusable hypersonic technologies. The mission will utilize a Rocket Lab HASTE (Hypersonic Accelerator Suborbital Test Electron) vehicle to boost the DART AE to its initial release speed. The primary objective is to validate the performance of the SPARTAN scramjet engine, a hydrogen-fueled propulsion system that is entirely 3D-printed.
The mission is being conducted in partnership with the United States Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), highlighting the deepening defense technology collaboration between the U.S. and Australia under the HyCAT (Hypersonic and High-Cadence Airborne Testing Capabilities) program.
The mission profile, detailed in recent industry reports, involves a complex sequence of events designed to test the limits of autonomous hypersonic flight. The launch vehicle, Rocket Lab’s HASTE, will lift the 3.5-meter DART AE to the upper atmosphere. Once the booster accelerates the payload to approximately Mach 5, the DART AE will separate and ignite its own engine.
According to mission specifications released by Hypersonix, the vehicle will then accelerate under its own power to a target speed of Mach 7 (approximately 8,600 km/h). The flight aims to demonstrate non-ballistic, reusable flight characteristics, distinguishing it from traditional missile tests.
The launch is set to take place at Launch Complex 2 at MARS. While the window opens in late February, Hypersonix has stated that the exact timing will be confirmed 24 hours prior to liftoff. The mission name, “Cassowary Vex,” references the flightless Australian bird, while the launch service itself has been humorously dubbed “That’s Not A Knife,” a cultural nod to the film Crocodile Dundee.
The core technology under review during this mission is the SPARTAN scramjet engine. Unlike many competitors that utilize kerosene-based fuels, the SPARTAN engine runs on green hydrogen. Hypersonix claims this fuel choice offers a higher specific impulse, resulting in greater efficiency and a clean burn that produces only water vapor. The “AE” in the vehicle’s name stands for Additive Engineering. The entire airframe and engine are constructed using high-temperature alloys, such as Inconel, capable of withstanding temperatures exceeding 1,000°C. The engine features a fixed-geometry design with no moving parts, a feature intended to increase reliability while reducing manufacturing costs.
In a statement regarding the engineering effort, Hypersonix CEO Matt Hill emphasized the collaborative nature of the project:
“This flight reflects years of engineering work and the confidence of our partners at DIU, NASA, and Rocket Lab. It brings us a meaningful step closer to operational hypersonic systems that are reusable, sustainable, and strategically relevant for Australia and for our allies.”
The “Cassowary Vex” mission arrives during a period of intense activity within the hypersonic sector. The flight is part of the DIU’s HyCAT program, which selected Hypersonix to provide a testbed capable of high-cadence testing for U.S. defense technologies.
Recent industry data places Hypersonix alongside other key players in the reusable hypersonic race. For instance, Stratolaunch successfully recovered its Talon-A2 vehicle in March 2025 after a Mach 5+ flight, and Hermeus completed the first flight of its Quarterhorse Mk 1 in May 2025. However, Hypersonix distinguishes itself by demonstrating a ground-launch capability via a rocket booster, rather than an air-launch system.
Dr. Michael Smart, Co-Founder and CTO of Hypersonix, noted the importance of real-world testing:
“DART AE allows us to validate propulsion, materials, and control systems at speeds and temperatures that simply can’t be replicated on the ground. What we learn from this mission will directly inform the next generation of operational hypersonic vehicles.”
The decision to utilize green hydrogen for the SPARTAN scramjet represents a calculated risk with potentially high rewards. While hydrogen offers superior energy density by weight compared to hydrocarbon fuels, it presents storage and volumetric challenges. If the “Cassowary Vex” mission successfully demonstrates sustained Mach 7 flight using this fuel source, it could validate hydrogen as a viable fuel for future high-speed logistics and defense platforms, moving the industry away from heavier, dirtier hydrocarbon alternatives.
Furthermore, the reliance on additive manufacturing (3D printing) for the entire airframe suggests a shift toward rapid scalability. Traditional aerospace manufacturing is often slow and tooling-intensive. By printing the vehicle from high-temperature alloys, Hypersonix is attempting to prove that hypersonic vehicles can be produced quickly and at a lower cost, a critical requirement for the “high-cadence” testing sought by the US Defense Innovation Unit.
Hypersonix’s development has been supported by significant capital investment. The company recently closed a $46 million Series A funding round. Investors include the Australian Government’s National Reconstruction Fund Corporation, the Queensland Investment Corporation, High Tor Capital (UK), and Saab (Sweden). This diverse backing underscores the international interest in the DART AE platform.
Hypersonix Sets Launch Window for Maiden “Cassowary Vex” Hypersonic Mission
Mission Profile: “Cassowary Vex”
Launch Logistics
Technology Spotlight: The SPARTAN Scramjet
Strategic Context and Market Landscape
AirPro News analysis
Financial Backing
Sources
Photo Credit: Hypersonix Launch Systems
Space & Satellites
NASA SpaceX Crew-12 Launches for Eight-Month ISS Mission
NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 launched from Cape Canaveral with an international crew for an eight-month ISS mission focusing on medical research and tech demonstrations.
NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 mission successfully lifted off early Friday morning, marking the beginning of an eight-month scientific expedition aboard the International Space Station (ISS). According to official reports from the space agency, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched at 5:15 a.m. EST on February 13, 2026, from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
The mission carries a diverse international crew of four, including two NASA astronauts, one European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut, and one Roscosmos cosmonaut. The crew is traveling aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft named Freedom, which successfully separated from the rocket’s second stage and achieved orbit shortly after launch. NASA confirms the spacecraft is currently executing a series of engine burns to rendezvous with the orbiting laboratory, with docking scheduled for approximately 3:15 p.m. EST on Saturday, February 14.
The Crew-12 team comprises a mix of veteran spacefarers and first-time flyers who will join Expedition 74 aboard the ISS. NASA officials highlighted the specific roles and backgrounds of the four crew members:
During their eight-month stay, the crew will conduct hundreds of experiments designed to prepare humanity for future deep-space exploration, including missions to the Moon and Mars. NASA has outlined several critical research areas for this mission.
A primary focus of the mission involves understanding how the space environment affects human health. One key study will investigate how Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria interact with heart tissue in microgravity. According to mission documentation, bacteria can become more virulent in space, and researchers aim to identify the mechanisms behind potential long-term heart damage caused by respiratory infections.
Additionally, the crew will study fluid shifts and blood flow. This research examines how physical characteristics influence clotting risks during spaceflight, a vital dataset for mitigating health risks on long-duration missions.
The crew is also tasked with testing new life-support technologies. NASA highlights a system designed to generate intravenous (IV) fluids directly from the station’s water supply. This capability is considered critical for future Mars missions, where the logistical burden of carrying large supplies of pre-packaged medical fluids would be impractical.
The launch of Crew-12 represents a continued effort to expand the operational redundancy of commercial spaceflight infrastructure. This mission is only the second human spaceflight to launch from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40). Historically used for cargo and satellite missions, SpaceX upgraded the pad to support crewed launches, providing a backup to the primary pad at Launch Complex 39A. The hardware for this mission also highlights the reusability central to the Commercial Crew Program. The Dragon capsule Freedom is making its return to space, having previously supported the Crew-4, Ax-2, Ax-3, and Crew-9 missions.
The successful utilization of SLC-40 for Crew-12 underscores a maturing commercial space ecosystem. By validating a second launch pad for human missions, NASA and SpaceX have effectively mitigated the risk of single-point ground infrastructure failure. This redundancy is essential for maintaining a continuous human presence on the ISS, especially as the station approaches its final years of operation and traffic to low-Earth orbit increases.
Furthermore, the inclusion of an ESA rookie alongside seasoned NASA and Roscosmos veterans illustrates the continued reliance on the ISS as a diplomatic and cooperative platform. Despite geopolitical tensions on Earth, the integrated crew operations required for Expedition 74 demonstrate that space remains a unique venue for international collaboration.
Crew Profile and Mission Roles
Scientific Objectives for Expedition 74
Medical and Biological Research
Technology Demonstrations
Launch Infrastructure and Hardware
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: NASA
-
Regulations & Safety4 days agoFour Killed in Tennessee-Registered Plane Crash Near Steamboat Springs
-
Regulations & Safety3 days agoJet2 Flight Diverts to Brussels After Violent Midair Altercation
-
Business Aviation5 days agoBombardier Exceeds 2025 Targets and Projects $10B Revenue in 2026
-
Business Aviation6 days agoBombardier Secures Major Challenger 3500 Order from Vista Global
-
Regulations & Safety5 days agoArik Air Boeing 737-700 Diverts to Benin After Engine Failure