T1H-1
Themis Demonstrator
European Space Agency
Mission
T1H-1
- Type: Test Flight
- Orbit: Suborbital
First low-altitude hop test of a Themis demonstrator, with a targeted altitude up to 100 m.
Location
Launch Complex 3B
Esrange Space Center
Launch Complex 3B has witnessed the launch of 0 rockets, including 0 orbital launch attempts. While Esrange Space Center, has been the site for 0 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.
Rocket
ArianeGroup Themis Demonstrator
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.
Landing
Core T1H
The Themis T1H demonstrator will attempt a soft vertical landing back at its launch site. Booster T1H last launched unknown and has seen 0 successful launches and landings. 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.
A sonic boom is likely to occur a few minutes after launch as the booster returns to the launch site. Be prepared for a loud but thrilling experience! Learn more about rocket launch sonic booms
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.
Agency
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 Themis Demonstrator launch scheduled?
The European Space Agency Themis Demonstrator launch carrying the T1H-1 mission 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 Themis Demonstrator 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 Themis Demonstrator booster 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 this launch?
The Themis Demonstrator 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 launch is delayed?
This page is updated in real-time with the latest launch status, including any delays or scrubs. 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 live streams for the most immediate range updates.
