Reusable Rocket Ship Can Fly Multiple Times To Space & Back For Greener Travel
Image via Dawn Aerospace
While some of the world’s billionaires have made it their mission to get to space this year— and succeeded—another CEO plans to create a rocket ship that can ferry people to and from space multiple times a day.
Stefan Powell, the founder of Dutch-New Zealand firm Dawn Aerospace, successfully conducted five test flights of its Mk-II Aurora last month.
The spacecraft is scheduled to launch into low-space orbit next year, with the latest test flights allowing engineers to assess its airframe and avionics.
At 16-feet long and 165 pounds, the spacecraft may be a lot smaller than SpaceX’s or Blue Origin’s, but unlike those vessels, it may be able to travel into space more than once a day.
Image via Dawn Aerospace
Dawn Aerospace is currently developing a rocket engine for the Mk-II, which will allow it to take off from a regular airstrip, launch into low-space orbit, and land back at the same location, repeated several times a day.
And aside from the possibility of space tourism, there are also other uses for the spacecraft.
“Mk-II will also be used to capture atmospheric data for weather and climate modeling, and to conduct scientific research and technology demonstrations,” Powell told Robb Report.
Image via Dawn Aerospace
Plus, the company has already set its sights on the Mk-II serving as a demonstrator for its future launch, the Mk-III. The larger spacecraft is set to launch a few years later, with the ability to ferry a 550-pound load, such as satellites, cargo, or even astronauts.
Similar to the Mk-II, it’s being designed to make multiple trips daily, which would make it “reusable” and cost a lot less than single-use rockets.
“Our industry is heavily reliant on vehicles that fly to space once, or that are partially refurbished over weeks or months. Many launch companies are pursuing mass-manufacturing for lower and lower price points, rather than pursuing cost savings through reusability,” Powell explained.
With space travel seemingly all the rage these days, it’s hopeful that companies such as Dawn Aerospace are developing more sustainable alternatives that’ll help make the industry greener in the future.
Image via Dawn Aerospace
[via Robb Report, images via Dawn Aerospace]
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