Dawn Aerospace, a space transportation company operating in New Zealand, the Netherlands, and the US, has recently achieved significant milestones in its pursuit of advancing space exploration. The company’s Mk-II Aurora, a rocket-powered uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV), has been certified by New Zealand’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to fly at unlimited speeds, paving the way for supersonic flight tests.
The certification allows the Mk-II Aurora to fly up to supersonic speeds at 80,000 feet without requiring restricted airspace. This certification results from years of collaboration between Dawn Aerospace and local agencies, ensuring the safe integration of high-performance vehicles with existing airspace users.
The Mk-II Aurora is designed to be the first aircraft to fly to an altitude of 100km twice a day, thanks to its rapid reuse and low cost. The UAV’s versatility makes it suitable for various applications, including microgravity research, high-speed flight research, earth observation, and defence.
Stefan Powell, CEO at Dawn Aerospace, stated, “At full performance, the Mk-II will fly faster and 2.5 times higher than any prior aircraft that takes off from a runway, including the current record holder, the SR-71 Blackbird. That is the power of bringing rocket performance to an aircraft platform.”
Following upgrades and testing, the Mk-II Aurora is set to undergo a flight test campaign from July through September. The primary objective is to expand the vehicle’s envelope to Mach 1.1 and 70,000 feet, while a secondary purpose is to demonstrate two flights in a day, showcasing its rapid reusability.
Dawn Aerospace also unveiled its Docking and Fluid Transfer (DFT) port for SatDrive propulsion systems. This innovation enables in-space refuelling for Dawn’s customers, with the first tentatively scheduled launch in 2025. The DFT port replaces standard manual fill/drain valves, adding only 0.6 kg to the propulsion system.
The DFT port facilitates refuelling in space and serves as a critical contact point for low-earth orbit (LEO) debris removal operations. By addressing the challenge of space debris, Dawn Aerospace contributes to maintaining the safety and sustainability of space environments.
Dawn Aerospace is part of a consortium, alongside UARX Space and Spherical Systems, selected by the European Space Agency (ESA) to develop a new subscription-based space mobility service called Omega.
This service aims to provide comprehensive support for satellite operators, including mission planning, manoeuvring, and deorbiting.
TLDR:
- Dawn Aerospace’s Mk-II Aurora UAV certified for supersonic flight
- Upcoming flight test campaign to expand vehicle’s envelope and demonstrate rapid reusability
- Dawn unveils Docking and Fluid Transfer (DFT) port for in-space refuelling and debris removal
- Collaboration with ESA to develop Omega space mobility service for satellite operators
