In December 2024 the primary Themis – Europe’s demonstrator of a reusable rocket first stage – accomplished a ‘full fit-check’ standing tall at ArianeGroup’s facility in Les Mureaux, France.
This step within the rocket growth proves that every one principal components match collectively as deliberate, confirming the mechanical connections and interfaces from the decrease to the higher components of the rocket stage join easily and as meant. Watch a timelapse of the operations right here.
The 28-m tall mannequin contains the primary components for Themis such because the engine bay, the gas tanks, the flight management bay and the higher half. It’s powered by the new-generation European Prometheus, an engine developed by ArianeGroup that runs on liquid methane and liquid oxygen and may range its throttle in flight that’s crucial for touchdown.
This fit-check was one of many key necessities and one of many remaining steps in Les Mureaux to conclude the event part of Themis – designated T1H for Themis 1-engine Hop – opening the best way for its transport to the Esrange House Middle in Sweden from the place it’ll have its first flight subsequent yr. Its first flight can be a brief hop, taking off and touchdown from the identical location, organised as a part of the European Fee Salto programme.
