Five Flights Took Place In New Zealand This July

Startup Dawn Aerospace has completed five test flights of its Mk-II Aurora spaceplane, which is designed to fly up to 60 miles above Earth’s Surface.

The suborbital spaceplane took its flights at the Glentanner Aerodrome in New Zealand’s South Island in July in order to focus on a review of the airframe and avionics. Flights were maxed out at 3,400 feet however this allowed the team to capture “extensive data enabling further R&D on the capability of Mk-II,” according to CEO Stefan Powell.

Dawn’s goal is to construct a vehicle that costs less money than a vertical launch but is able to perform flights to and from space a few times per day. The size of the Mk-II is also notable, taking up the same amount of size as a compact car. Weighing in at 16 feet long and only 165 lbs, this is another way to keep costs lower than its vertical launching, rocket cousins.

The company plans to build an Mk-III spaceplane that can also be used for scientific research, atmospheric data, climate modeling and weather observations. One of the key differences between the Mk-II and the Mk-III is the payload. Mk-II will only be able to carry 8.8 lbs into orbit, while the Mk-III will be capable of 551 lbs.

Ultimately the Mk’s will be fitted with a rocket engine. A notable milestone for the company so far came last December when they received an Unmanned Aircraft Operator Certificate from the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority to fly from airports.

They have also received grants from the Netherlands to test a low-power sense and detect radar system.

FMI: www.dawnaerospace.com/