Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
2 min of reading 
0 comments 
Suborbital Vehicle Mk-II Aurora From Dawn Aerospace Will Be Sold to Customers and Promises Frequent Access to Space From Common Runways
The New Zealand company Dawn Aerospace announced on May 22 that the Mk-II Aurora, a remotely piloted spaceplane, is now available for purchase. The first units are expected to be delivered in 2027.
According to Dawn, this is the first time a vehicle capable of reaching space – crossing the Kármán line, located at 100 km altitude – is being offered directly to customers. The proposal is to allow operators autonomous access to high altitudes and space.
The Aurora is set to become the fastest aircraft with the highest altitude range to take off from a conventional runway.
-
TSMC unveils in the Arizona desert the $165 billion Fab 21 chip factory that will produce 100 million processors for Apple.
-
China conducts an unprecedented experiment with artificial embryos in space to discover how life reacts to the lack of gravity and cosmic radiation.
-
Largest iceberg in the world shrinks from 1,182 km² to 170 km² in three months after nearly four decades adrift in the South Atlantic
-
Researchers from a Chinese university announced this week a new world record in computing that uses principles of quantum mechanics and managed to solve a complex mathematical problem at a speed that is practically incalculable when compared to the most powerful supercomputer currently in operation on the planet.
It combines rocket propulsion performance with the operational simplicity of traditional aviation. This may make it possible to conduct frequent flights at lower costs, with take-offs and landings on common runways.
According to the company, the direct sale of the Aurora inaugurates a new business model, comparable to that of airlines, where operators can purchase the aircraft and offer services independently of the manufacturer.
Designed for frequent operations, the suborbital airplane takes off and lands horizontally, with quick refueling and the capability to perform multiple flights per day.
Thus, local operators could reach high altitudes and access space on demand, without relying on large aerospace centers.
“For the first time, customers have the opportunity to own an aircraft capable of reaching the edge of space,” stated Stefan Powell, CEO of Dawn Aerospace.
“The Aurora is a transformative platform for governments, spaceports, and operators to develop space programs. It has been over a century since commercial flights began – now it is time to launch the first space line.”
The company also highlighted the Aurora’s potential in strategic areas. These include Life Sciences, with studies on cellular biology and regenerative medicine in microgravity; Semiconductor Technology, with material testing in extreme space conditions; and Defense Applications, to validate communications and sensors at high altitudes.
An important milestone was achieved in November 2024, during the 57th flight of the aircraft. At that time, Brazilian remote pilot Iagho Amaral flew the Aurora at supersonic speeds of Mach 1.12, reaching an altitude of 25.1 km.
This feat broke a nearly 50-year-old rapid ascent record above 20 km, previously held by the modified F-15 Streak Eagle.
With information from Info Money.
Be the first to react!