Lesson plan
Themis programme
The Themis programme is an ongoing European Space Agency (ESA) programme carried by prime contractor ArianeGroup, aiming to develop a prototype reusable rocket first stage and plans to conduct demonstration flights. The prototype rockets will also be called Themis. As of 2025, two prototypes were being developed: Themis 1-Engine Hop (T1H) and Themis 1-Engine Evolution (T1E). Later, a three-engine variant (T3) may be built. First flight test of the first vehicle (T1H) are expected to take place at Esrange in late 2026. The initial test flights are funded through the European Union's reuSable strAtegic space Launcher Technologies & Operations (SALTO) initiative. Themis is expected to provide valuable information on the economic value of reusability for the European government space program and develop technologies for potential use on future European launch vehicles. Themis will be powered by the ESA's Prometheus rocket engine. Eventually, lessons learned with Themis's development will pave the way for developing the European reusable launchers Maia and Ariane Next. Themis is distinct from a similar project CALLISTO under development by CNES, DLR, and JAXA.
Article summary
The Themis programme is an ongoing European Space Agency (ESA) programme carried by prime contractor ArianeGroup, aiming to develop a prototype reusable rocket first stage and plans to conduct demonstration flights. The prototype rockets will also be called Themis. As of 2025, two prototypes were being developed: Themis 1-Engine Hop (T1H) and Themis 1-Engine Evolution (T1E). Later, a three-engine variant (T3) may be built. First flight test of the first vehicle (T1H) are expected to take place at Esrange in late 2026. The initial test flights are funded through the European Union's reuSable strAtegic space Launcher Technologies & Operations (SALTO) initiative. Themis is expected to provide valuable information on the economic value of reusability for the European government space program and develop technologies for potential use on future European launch vehicles. Themis will be powered by the ESA's Prometheus rocket engine. Eventually, lessons learned with Themis's development will pave the way for developing the European reusable launchers Maia and Ariane Next. Themis is distinct from a similar project CALLISTO under development by CNES, DLR, and JAXA.
Key claims
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Discussion questions
- Summarise the article in your own words. Which single claim would you verify first, and why?
- Which claim in this article is most likely to be revised as the sources update? How would you check its current status?
- If two sources disagreed about one of these facts, what would you need in order to trust one over the other?
Bibliography
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Key claims and bibliography are generated from the same tracked claims and sources as the article page.