"This week, the France-based ArianeGroup aerospace company announced that it had completed the integration of the Themis vehicle, a prototype rocket that will test various landing technologies, on a launch pad in Sweden. Low-altitude hop tests, a precursor for developing a rocket's first stage that can vertically land after an orbital launch, could start late this year or early next."
"No one could accuse the European Space Agency and its various contractors of moving swiftly when it comes to the development of reusable rockets. However, it appears that Europe is finally making some credible progress. This week, the France-based ArianeGroup aerospace company announced that it had completed the integration of the Themis vehicle, a prototype rocket that will test various landing technologies, on a launch pad in Sweden."
ArianeGroup completed integration of the Themis vehicle, a prototype rocket to test landing technologies, on a launch pad in Sweden. Low-altitude hop tests, aimed at developing a first stage capable of vertical landing after orbital launch, could begin late this year or early next. Combined tests will trial the interfaces between Themis and the pad's mechanical, electrical, and fluid systems and aim to complete a cryogenic-condition test. The Themis program marks a concrete step toward reusable launchers for Europe after a delayed response to reusable technology. ESA previously committed to Ariane 6 without reuse elements but initiated reusable programs beginning in mid-2017.
Read at Ars Technica
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