Europe’s first reuseable rocket demonstrator left its integration building in Les Mureaux, France on 12 June and is now at its launch pad at Esrange Space Centre in Sweden.

Themis is an ESA rocket prototype – a European demonstrator for low-cost rocket recovery and reuse technologies, designed to launch, land vertically and live on for another mission.

The 28-m tall rocket stage was assembled since 2023 at the former Ariane 5 main stage integration building in Les Mureaux, France. Themis completed a vehicle ‘fit-check’ in December 2024, proving that its main elements fit together as planned and confirming the mechanical connections and interfaces connect smoothly.

Since then, ArianeGroup and ESA teams have completed the integration of avionics and additional systems to be tested in flight, while also preparing Themis for its journey across Europe.