Archive · 18 Jul 2025
ESA Developing Hypersonic Spaceplane with Hydrogen Fuel
Imagine a plane that can fly super fast, five times the speed of sound!
The European Space Agency (ESA) is working on one.
It's called a spaceplane because it will go to space and come back, landing like a regular airplane.
This plane will use a special engine powered by hydrogen.
This engine cools the air before it enters, letting the plane go incredibly fast without getting too hot.
The program, named INVICTUS, involves different companies like Frazer Nash Consultancy and Spirit AeroSystems.
It is expected to be ready to fly by 2031 and will be reusable.
The European Space Agency (ESA) is developing a hydrogen-powered spaceplane.
The spaceplane is designed to fly at Mach 5, or five times the speed of sound.
The INVICTUS program will bring together various players in hypersonic technology.
The spaceplane will use precooled hydrogen-fueled propulsion.
The reusable spaceplane is expected to take flight by 2031.
- Who
- The European Space Agency (ESA), along with Frazer Nash Consultancy, Spirit AeroSystems, and Cranfield University are involved.
- What
- The development of a hydrogen-powered spaceplane capable of flying at Mach 5.
- When
- The spaceplane is expected to take flight by 2031.
- Where
- The development is being led by the European Space Agency (ESA) and involves collaboration with companies.
- Why
- To develop a reusable aerospace vehicle that can fly at hypersonic speeds with improved efficiency and lower emissions.
- Project Name
- INVICTUS
- Speed
- Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound)
- Propulsion
- Precooled hydrogen-fueled
- Launch Type
- Horizontal from runway
- Expected Flight Year
- 2031
- Leading Firm
- Frazer Nash Consultancy
- Funding Source
- ESA's General Support Technology Programme