The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
Find out more about space activities in our 23 Member States, and understand how ESA works together with their national agencies, institutions and organisations.
Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
Go to topicProtecting life and infrastructure on Earth and in orbit
Go to topicUsing space to benefit citizens and meet future challenges on Earth
Go to topicMaking space accessible and developing the technologies for the future
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Timelapse of Europe’s first reusable rocket main stage demonstrator – Themis – getting wrapped and prepared for shipment, ready to head to its launch pad at Esrange Space Centre in Sweden.
Themis encompasses all the elements for a reusable rocket stage. The Themis programme includes developing the flight test model that requires new technologies from European countries such as the vehicle landing legs, grid-fin aerodynamic stabilisers, light-weight fuel tanks, distributed power systems, avionics and reduced-diameter multi-engine bay. New flight algorithms, derived from previous European projects, will be key to make Themis land safely after flight.
Themis was developed as a European Space Agency future launchers preparatory programme with ArianeGroup as prime contractor and multiple European industrial partners. Themis’s first flight campaign is being funded by the European Commission Salto programme.