Launcher reuse technologies: Prometheus, Themis
21.11.2024
ArianeGroup has signed two contracts with the European Space Agency (ESA) to enable Europe to pass a further milestone in space launcher reusability.
The contracts are to further demonstrate and test evolutions of the Prometheus engine and the Themis rocket stage demonstrator.
Prometheus, a variable thrust engine enabling launcher reuse, will complete its final validation steps, paving the way for commercial operations.
ArianeGroup will build a new reusable launcher demonstrator carrying the latest version of the Prometheus engine. The first flight test will involve a medium altitude lift-off and landing (hop test) on the Esrange base in Kiruna (Sweden). Other tests at higher altitude will be scheduled subsequently.
The Prometheus engine and the Themis reusable stage demonstrator are ESA programmes for which ArianeGroup is lead contractor.