European Space Agency T1H-1 Themis Demonstrator
About the T1H-1 Mission
- Type: Test Flight
- Orbit: Suborbital
First low-altitude hop test of a Themis demonstrator, with a targeted altitude up to 100 m.
Launch Pad & Location
Launch Complex 3B
Esrange Space Center
The Launch Complex 3B launch pad has hosted 0 rocket launches, including 0 orbital launch attempts. The Esrange Space Center launch site has been the location for 0 total rocket launches.
Esrange Space Center is a rocket range and research centre located about 40 kilometers east of the town of Kiruna in northern Sweden. It is a base for scientific research with high-altitude balloons, investigation of the aurora borealis, sounding rocket launches, and satellite tracking. Built in 1964 by ESRO, one of the predecessors of the European Space Agency, the site is currently operated by the Swedish Space Corporation. An orbital launch complex, LC-3, has been built in the early 2020s.
ArianeGroup Themis Demonstrator Rocket
Themis is an ESA rocket prototype – a flagship European demonstrator for low-cost rocket recovery and reuse technologies. Powered by the reusable, methane-fuelled engine Prometheus, it is developed with ArianeGroup as prime contractor and building on decades of European research and experience in rocketry and space operations, Themis is designed to launch, land vertically and live on for another mission.
Booster Landing & Recovery
Core T1H
The Themis T1H demonstrator will attempt a soft vertical landing back at its launch site. Reusable booster T1H last flew on unknown and has completed 0 successful launch and landing missions. T1H, which stands for Themis 1-Engine Hop, is the first Themis demonstrator flight model, designed for low-altitude hop tests at the Esrange Space Center in Sweden.
Launch Complex 3 Landing Pad - LC3LP
40x40m landing pad at Esrange's Launch Complex 3.
Return to Launch Site - RTLS
A return to launch site usually means that after stage separation the booster flips and does a burn back towards the launch site, landing near where it initially launched from.
A sonic boom may occur during booster recovery as the first stage returns to the landing zone. This atmospheric phenomenon creates a loud sound as the rocket breaks the sound barrier during its descent.
About European Space Agency
The European Space Agency is an intergovernmental organisation of 22 member states. Established in 1975 and headquartered in Paris, France, ESA has a worldwide staff of about 2,000 employees.
ESA's space flight programme includes human spaceflight (mainly through participation in the International Space Station program); the launch and operation of unmanned exploration missions to other planets and the Moon; Earth observation, science and telecommunication; designing launch vehicles; and maintaining a major spaceport, the Guiana Space Centre at Kourou, French Guiana.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the European Space Agency Themis Demonstrator T1H-1 launch scheduled?
The European Space Agency Themis Demonstrator T1H-1 launch is currently scheduled for:
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Launch times are subject to change based on weather conditions, technical readiness, and range availability. Check back regularly for the most up-to-date launch time and status updates.
Where is the European Space Agency Themis Demonstrator T1H-1 mission launching from?
The European Space Agency Themis Demonstrator rocket will launch from Launch Complex 3B at Esrange Space Center. Esrange Space Center is a rocket range and research centre located about 40 kilometers east of the town of Kiruna in northern Sweden. It is a base for scientific research with high-altitude balloons, investigation of the aurora borealis, sounding rocket launches, and satellite tracking. Built in 1964 by ESRO, one of the predecessors of the European Space Agency, the site is currently operated by the Swedish Space Corporation. An orbital launch complex, LC-3, has been built in the early 2020s. For viewing location recommendations and tips, check the launch location details above.
What rocket is being used for the T1H-1 mission?
The T1H-1 mission will launch aboard a European Space Agency Themis Demonstrator rocket. Themis is an ESA rocket prototype – a flagship European demonstrator for low-cost rocket recovery and reuse technologies. Powered by the reusable, methane-fuelled engine Prometheus, it is developed with ArianeGroup as prime contractor and building on decades of European research and experience in rocketry and space operations, Themis is designed to launch, land vertically and live on for another mission. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
Will the European Space Agency Themis Demonstrator booster for T1H-1 attempt a landing?
Yes, the Themis Demonstrator first stage booster will attempt a Return to Launch Site at a designated landing zone. Booster recovery allows European Space Agency to reuse rocket components, significantly reducing launch costs. Watch the live stream to see the landing attempt in real-time. Learn more about the landing details.
What weather conditions could delay the European Space Agency Themis Demonstrator T1H-1 launch?
The European Space Agency Themis Demonstrator T1H-1 launch can be delayed by various weather conditions including lightning within 10 nautical miles, high winds (especially upper-level winds), thick cloud layers, precipitation, and poor visibility. Weather must be favorable at the launch site, downrange landing zones, and abort landing sites. Check the launch weather forecast above for current conditions and probability of favorable weather.
How can I get updates if the European Space Agency Themis Demonstrator T1H-1 launch is delayed?
This page is updated in real-time with the latest European Space Agency Themis Demonstrator launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the T1H-1 mission. You can also check our space launch schedule for the most current information. Enable push notifications through our mobile app to receive instant alerts about launch status changes, weather holds, or new launch times. We recommend following official European Space Agency live streams for the most immediate range updates.