EsrangeThe EU’s reusable-launcher deadline slipped from November 2025 to 31 December 2026.

The 3 extra months let Themis, Europe’s reusable rocket demonstrator, complete its first hop test.

ArianeGroup leads the €42.8 million project, which funds the first two low-altitude hops to show Themis can be recovered and reflown.

Themis’s last announced milestone is a 23 July wet dress rehearsal, with no hop date given.

How each outlet framed it
European Spaceflight
tracks SALTO initiative delays: original Nov 2025→Dec 2026 deadline (third extension), €42.8M budget for Themis hop tests

Sources: European Spaceflight