European Rocket Launches Face Delays as HyImpulse, RFA and Themis Advance

Europe’s emerging commercial space industry is preparing for several major rocket milestones, including HyImpulse’s next suborbital mission, Rocket Factory Augsburg’s leadership transition, a delayed SpaceX Falcon 9 launch and continued delays to Europe’s reusable rocket demonstrator.

HyImpulse prepares second SR75 flight with commercial payload

This will be the first flight of a rocket from mainland Europe. The upcoming flight from SaxaVord will be HyImpulse’s second SR75 mission and the first to carry a commercial payload. The company completed the rocket’s initial test flight from the Koonibba Proving Ground in South Australia on May 3, 2024.

Rocket Factory Augsburg appoints new CEO

Rocket Factory Augsburg’s supervisory board has appointed Alexander Dahm as CEO. He will succeed Induris Karnins and lead the company’s continued development, including the path toward the debut flight of its RFA ONE rocket. The company announced the appointment this week. Dahm has 30 years of experience in the aerospace industry, including involvement in the Ariane 5 program.

RFA ONE continues toward its maiden flight

“I am impressed by the grit, innovative strength and passion with which Europe’s new generation of rockets is being developed here. Together, we will reach the next important milestone on the way to RFA ONE’s maiden flight and actively shape the future of the company,” Dahm said.

RFA has been working toward its first orbital launch following the loss of its first stage during a static-fire test in 2024.

SpaceX Falcon 9 launch aborted during final countdown

A SpaceX Falcon 9 launch scheduled for early Monday morning was aborted during the final minute of the countdown, as the rocket entered its automatic launch sequence. Spaceflight Now reported on the scrub. SpaceX did not provide a reason for the cancellation.

The Falcon 9 is intended to deploy a new constellation of data satellites into low Earth orbit for the U.S. Space Force’s Space Development Agency.

Falcon 9 launch target moves to October 10

SpaceX had scheduled the next launch attempt for Tuesday, October 6, but declined that opportunity as well. Following additional changes, the company is now targeting a date no later than Saturday, October 10.

The mission uses the Falcon 9’s first-stage booster B1103. It will be the SDA’s sixth flight, following the launches of three batches of T1TL-E, NROL-179 and Starlink satellites.

European Themis reusable rocket test delayed again

The European Commission has extended the deadline for the SALTO reusable rocket demonstrator project until the end of 2026. The extension gives the program an additional three months to complete the first hop test of Themis, Europe’s reusable rocket demonstrator. European Spaceflight reported on the deadline extension.

This is the latest in a series of extensions that have moved the project’s completion date from the original November 2025 deadline.