New Zealand's Dawn Aerospace has announced a successful series of tests of its prototype Mk-II Aurora space plane, which runs on kerosene and hydrogen peroxide. The space plane reached speeds near the sound barrier and climbed to a record altitude, marking significant progress in the company's mission to revolutionize the delivery of reusable payloads.
The prototype accelerated to a speed of 0.9 Mach and climbed to a height of 15,000 meters, surpassing the previous speed and height records by three and five times, respectively. This progress brings the spaceplane closer to breaking the sound barrier, which is expected to be achieved by the upcoming Mk-IIA prototype. The next Mk-IIB prototype aims to reach hypersonic speeds.
A year ago, the 4.5-meter Mk-II Aurora could only reach a speed of 315 km/h and climb to a height of 1,800 meters. Recent tests conducted earlier this summer showed a significant jump in performance, and the spacecraft is now approaching the threshold of supersonic flight.
This achievement is part of Dawn Aerospace's broader goal – to develop a reusable device capable of delivering small payloads to an altitude of 30 to 100 kilometers. The ultimate goal includes launching up to 250 kilograms of payload into low Earth orbit with a disposable upper stage and lifting up to 900 kilograms into the stratosphere.
Mk-II Aurora Test Flight: Watch Video< /p>
Dawn Aerospace's strategy involves a gradual approach to the development of reusable payload delivery vehicles, solving increasingly complex missions in terms of cargo volume and flight altitude.
The main advantage of a space plane equipped with a rocket engine , consists in its rapid multiple use. The spaceplane is designed to perform two commercial flights in one day, greatly increasing the efficiency and frequency of payload delivery missions.
The company believes that the altitude range covered by the Mk-II Aurora spaceplane fills a gap, not filled with existing balloons and satellite technologies.