Back in 2021, we heard how the Mk-II Aurora suborbital spaceplane made its first test flight, but it used a surrogate jet engine. But now the vehicle has made its first flight using an actual rocket engine.
Designed by New Zealand-based Dawn Aerospace, the Mk-II Aurora is a reusable unmanned technology demonstrator for the company’s upcoming Mk-III model.
Necessary plan or Vehicles that take off and land like regular fixed-wing aircraft using conventional runways can carry cargo such as satellites weighing up to 250 kg (551 lbs). Upon reaching an altitude of 100 km (62 miles), the payload will be launched into low earth orbit by an expendable second stage rocket. The Mk-III can also carry up to 1 tonne (0.9 tonnes) of scientific equipment (which gives no launched into orbit) in suborbital flight.
dawn aerospace
Three Mk-II rocket test flights took place on March 29, 30 and 31 at Glentanner Airfield, New Zealand. During these flights, the spacecraft reached altitudes of about 6,000 feet (1,829 m) and speeds of about 170 knots (196 mph or 315 km/h).
These numbers are actually similar to those achieved in previous jet-powered flights. Dawn Aerospace says the latest test flights are intended to “validate key systems and features” and are not intended to set new records. That said, the company plans to gradually increase both speed and altitude in subsequent test flights.
Even before the Mk-III model goes into service, the Mk-II is expected to make two commercial flights per day for paying customers.
Dawn Aerospace CEO Stefan Powell said:
The following video presents highlights from last week’s test flight.
Achieved rocket-powered flight from Dawn’s Mk-II Aurora Spaceplane
Source: Dawn Aerospace
