After a very slow start, Europe’s reusable rocket program shows signs of life

The European Space Agency's (ESA) reusable rocket program, Themis, is showing signs of progress after a slow start. Themis aims to develop a reusable first-stage rocket, which could significantly reduce the cost of space launches. The program, initially planned to launch a test flight in 2023, has faced delays and is now several years behind schedule. However, recent advancements have been made, with the successful static fire test of the Prometheus engine, a key component of the Themis system. Despite the slow progress, the program's manager, Daniel Neuenschwander, remains optimistic, stating that the team is working hard to make up for the lost time. The development of reusable rocket technology is crucial for Europe's space industry, as it aims to compete with the advancements made by private companies such as SpaceX. While the Themis program is still in its early stages, the recent progress offers hope that Europe's reusable rocket capabilities will continue to improve, potentially leading to more cost-effective and frequent space missions in the future.