After a very slow start, Europe’s reusable rocket program shows signs of life

The European Space Agency (ESA) and its contractors have often faced criticism for their slow pace in developing reusable rocket technologies. However, recent developments indicate that Europe is beginning to make significant strides. This week, ArianeGroup, an aerospace company based in France, announced the successful integration of the Themis prototype rocket on a launch pad in Sweden. The Themis vehicle is set to undergo low-altitude hop tests, which are crucial for refining technologies that enable a rocket's first stage to land vertically after an orbital launch. These tests are anticipated to commence either late this year or in early 2024. "This milestone signifies the start of 'combined tests,' where we will rigorously assess the interface between Themis and the launch pad's mechanical, electrical, and fluid systems, including a test under cryogenic conditions," stated the company. The advancement of the Themis program is a pivotal moment for Europe, which has faced challenges in responding to the growing trend of reusable rocket technology that emerged a decade ago. While SpaceX successfully landed its first orbital rocket in December 2015 and Blue Origin achieved a suborbital landing with the New Shepard shortly before that, ESA had already committed to developing the Ariane 6, a medium-lift rocket with a traditional design that did not include reusable elements. However, by mid-2017, the European Space Agency began to pivot, initiating programs that would ultimately lead to the development of a reusable launch vehicle, signaling a newfound commitment to innovation in the aerospace sector.