European Themis Reusable Rocket Demonstrator Completes Wet Dress Rehearsal in Sweden

On 23 July 2026 the European reusable‑rocket demonstrator Themis performed a wet‑dress rehearsal at the Esrange Space Center in northern Sweden. Teams from ArianeGroup and SSC Space simulated an entire launch day – vehicle preparation, pad operations, virtual countdown and safety procedures – without igniting the engine. Liquid nitrogen was used in the tanks and cryogenic lines to replicate the –200 °C conditions the vehicle will face during real flights.

The test is a key step in the SALTO programme, an EU‑funded effort coordinated by ArianeGroup involving 25 partners from 12 countries. Data collected will feed the next milestones: a static‑fire test of the Prometheus engine and the “Hop Test”, a low‑altitude flight where Themis will take off vertically, perform manoeuvres and land back on the pad. No launch window for the subsequent test has yet been announced.