First integration of the Themis European reusable stage demonstrator

In December, ArianeGroup’s teams successfully completed the very first mechanical integration of Themis, the European reusable launcher first stage demonstrator, at the Les Mureaux site in France. 

This first prototype, standing 28 metres high, consists of the Multi-Engine Bay (MEB), the tanks, the Flight Control Bay (FCB) and the upper part, which tops the stage. It will be powered by the new-generation engine Prometheus®, a throttleable cryogenic engine also developed by ArianeGroup.

The integration test showed that all the component parts of Themis can be assembled as planned, marking a key milestone in closing the rocket stage’s first development phase. It paves the way for its delivery to the Esrange Space Centre in Sweden, where the first hop-test is planned for next year.

There it will join the landing legs which have already been delivered. In parallel, preparation of the launch pad is underway for the test campaign. During this first flight organised as part of the European Union’s SALTO programme, the Themis stage will aim to complete a low altitude hop, lifting off and landing at the same location.

The Prometheus® engine and the Themis reusable stage demonstrator are ESA programmes for which ArianeGroup is lead contractor.