Video: 00:01:20

In December 2024 the first Themis – Europe’s demonstrator of a reusable rocket first stage – completed a ‘full fit-check’ standing tall at ArianeGroup’s facility in Les Mureaux, France.

This step in the rocket development proves that all main elements fit together as planned, confirming the mechanical connections and interfaces from the lower to the upper parts of the rocket stage connect smoothly and as intended.

The 28-m tall model includes the main elements for Themis such as the engine bay, the fuel tanks, the flight control bay and the upper part. It is powered by the new-generation European Prometheus, an

Video: 00:11:10

In 2024, ESA continued to drive Europe’s innovation and excellence in space, equipping the continent with advanced tools and knowledge to address global and local challenges. The year saw pioneering missions, cutting-edge satellites and the pivotal restoration of Europe’s independent access to space. 

The first Ariane 6 launch was perhaps ‘the’ highlight of the year but it was only one of many achievements. We saw the last Vega launch and then the return to flight of Vega-C, the more powerful, upgraded version carrying Sentinel-1C.

Far away in our Solar System, the ESA/JAXA BepiColombo spacecraft performed twoMercury flybys in 2024, needed so that it can enter orbit around Mercury in 2026. Juice also performed a crucial gravity assist,

Image: Fit for service: Themis reusable rocket stage demonstrator

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Dec 17, 2024
US Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) and Space Operations Command (SpOC) successfully executed a critical Rapid Response Trailblazer (RRT) mission in partnership with SpaceX. A Falcon 9 rocket launched the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) mission carrying the Global Positioning System (GPS) III space vehicle, SV-07, on Dec. 16 at 7:52 p.m. EST from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station,

Submarines are emerging as a unique research platform to study human adaption to extreme environments – from ocean depths to outer space.