The rocket-powered Mk-II Aurora took to the skies for the first time, reaching speeds of 315 km/h

Dawn Aerospace has tested the Mk-II Aurora spaceplane equipped with a rocket engine for the first time. The New Zealand company said it was able to successfully take off three times.

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The Mk-II Aurora is equipped with a rocket engine that runs on paraffin and hydrogen peroxide. During the tests, the aircraft was able to reach a speed of 315 km/h and conquer an altitude of 1800 meters. The company will use the results to create a new version of the aircraft. It is expected to be able to take off in late 2023 or early 2024.

Dawn Aerospace's goal is to create an aircraft that can fly at an altitude of 100km, where the edge of space lies. The current version, the Mk-II Aurora, will have to go up 20km in further tests.

Dawn Aerospace wants to conduct research at altitudes of 30-100km. The space plane, which does not need a pilot to fly, will help study the mesosphere and thermosphere. The Mk-II Aurora is better suited for this than satellites, as they are too high, and balloons, which are difficult to operate at altitudes above 30 km.

The Mk-II Aurora was tested in New Zealand from 29-31 March 2023 at Glentanner Aerodrome. The company had already tested the space plane in 2021, but it was equipped with a jet engine.

The Mk-II Aurora will form the basis of the Mk-III Aurora aircraft. It will be able to deliver a payload of up to 250 kg to low Earth orbit. The maximum payload, if not intended for launch into orbit, will be 900 kg.

Source: Dawn Aerospace