The Mk-II spaceplane equipped with a rocket engine has achieved subsonic speeds and altitudes of up to 15,000 meters in its latest test.
The Mk-II spaceplane during tests in July. (Video: Dawn Aerospace).
Dawn Aerospace, an aerospace startup with offices in the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the United States, has made significant strides in developing highly reusable spaceplanes, as reported by Interesting Engineering on August 12. In its latest test flight in July, part of Campaign 2-2, the uncrewed Mk-II spaceplane with a rocket engine reached subsonic speeds of Mach 0.92 (approximately 1,136 km/h) and an altitude of 15,000 meters. This means the aircraft achieved speeds three times greater and altitudes five times higher than in previous tests.
As Campaign 2-3 begins in September, the Mk-II aims to achieve supersonic speeds for the first time. The ultimate goal is to climb faster than an F-15 fighter jet, exceed the speed of the SR-71 Blackbird reconnaissance aircraft, and become the first vehicle to fly above 100 km twice in a single day.
Dawn Aerospace’s approach is reminiscent of NASA’s X-15 program in the 1950s and 1960s. Essentially, it involves step-by-step development of the spaceplane, starting with a conventional aircraft and progressively enhancing performance and integrating more advanced components at each stage. Throughout this process, the aircraft takes off and lands from a runway and flies similarly to traditional airplanes.
In the future, this vehicle could transport cargo to space multiple times a day.
Campaign 2-2 has successfully met its objectives through three flights. Campaign 2-3 will introduce the new Mk-IIA prototype, which will not only fly at supersonic speeds but also help validate the design within its flight envelope. This will set the stage for the development of the Mk-IIB aircraft, which is expected to have a 10% increase in thrust and a 30% increase in total impulse compared to earlier versions.
The ultimate goal is to create a spaceplane that combines the performance of a first-stage rocket with the predictability and quick turnaround times of conventional aircraft. To achieve this aim, Dawn Aerospace plans to develop a rocket engine with the reliability of a jet engine for its spaceplane. In the future, this vehicle could transport cargo to space multiple times a day.
“I look forward to being able to launch the first payloads to altitude with the Mk-IIA before the end of this year, and even more with the Mk-IIB in 2025 and 2026. The commercial appeal will help guide the decisions for developing the next vehicle,” said Stefan Powell, CEO of Dawn Aerospace.
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