Europe Tests Reusable Rocket in 2026 Launch Milestone

Europe is about to launch a rocket that can fly again, marking a historic shift in how the continent accesses space.

The Themis T1H prototype will perform its first "hop" test in 2026 at Sweden's ESRANGE Space Centre. This vertical takeoff and landing demonstration aims to prove that Europe can build rockets that return safely to Earth and fly again.

The test comes after Europe successfully launched its Ariane 6 flagship rocket in 2025, renewing the continent's ability to reach space independently. Together with the Vega C launcher, Europe now has a complete family of rockets capable of carrying different mission sizes.

The European Commission has invested €120 million in space research to develop this critical capability. Reusable rockets matter because they could dramatically increase how often Europe can launch satellites while reducing costs.

Twenty-six European companies are collaborating on the SALTO project, which manages the Themis test campaign. The demonstrator includes 34 cutting-edge technologies spanning lightweight materials, advanced landing systems, and thermal protection that keeps the rocket safe during reentry.

At the heart of Themis beats the Prometheus engine, a powerful, variable-thrust motor designed specifically for reuse. ArianeGroup developed both the engine and the rocket prototype under the European Space Agency's Future Launchers Preparatory Programme.

The Ripple Effect

This shift represents more than just hardware innovation. Europe is embracing a "test and learn" philosophy that accepts calculated risks to accelerate progress. Building prototypes and learning from real flights reveals problems that computer simulations miss.

The approach mirrors successful strategies used by other space leaders but maintains Europe's unique focus on collaboration across borders. The technology matured through these tests will flow directly into future launcher designs.

Europe needs this capability to independently deploy its critical satellite networks. Galileo navigation, Copernicus Earth observation, and the upcoming Iris2 secure communications constellation all depend on reliable, affordable space access.

The Commission is also funding ENLIGHTEN, a parallel effort developing next-generation cryogenic engines that promise lower costs and better performance. These high-thrust motors focus on sustainability without sacrificing power.

The Themis campaign plans three low-altitude test flights, each teaching engineers how to recover, refurbish, and relaunch the vehicle. Success here paves the way for operational reusable launchers that could transform European space transportation.

Europe's rocket is ready to prove that what goes up can come down and go up again.