Latest news with #UKSpaceConference


The Print
2 days ago
- Science
- The Print
Spaceplanes will fly at 5 times the speed of sound by 2031. What is the technology & the firms behind it
The ESA's General Support Technology Programme and Technology Development Element funds will drive the research programme, called INVICTUS, to develop hypersonic technologies that could apply to future horizontally launched, reusable spaceplanes. 'The vehicle will demonstrate key technologies for sustained hypersonic flight in the atmosphere and will be upgradable, allowing for the exchange of materials, software, and propulsion systems between flight test campaigns,' the ESA said in a statement. New Delhi: The European Space Agency (ESA), in collaboration with the UK-based Frazer Nash Consultancy, has launched a research programme aimed at developing and flying a hydrogen-powered spaceplane by 2031. The proposed fully reusable experimental aerospace vehicles would be capable of flying at Mach 5, meaning five times the speed of sound. In this report, ThePrint explains the technology. The technology Announced as a precursor to the UK Space Conference, scheduled for 16-17 July, the INVICTUS programme will bring together players in the hypersonic technology field, including Spirit AeroSystems, Cranfield University, and Frazer Nash Consultancy, the firm leading the project. Under INVICTUS, a preliminary design for a full-flight system, with conceptual, preliminary and detailed designs, will be analysed. The technology would utilise precooled hydrogen-fueled propulsion, which would allow the incoming hypersonic airflow to cool down before entering the engine. That, in turn, would enable sustained operation at extreme speeds, exceeding the limits of conventional jet engines by a significant margin. Reaction Engines Limited, a company that, in 2024, ceased operations, followed by Frazer Nash absorbing it, had developed the precooled hydrogen-fuelled propulsion. A traditional jet cannot fly at hypersonic speeds because an aircraft under the conditions prevailing at that speed will experience extremely high temperatures due to shock heating and friction from the air. A precooler engine, however, solves this problem. It cools the air before it reaches the engine, allowing the craft to travel at such high speeds. What will make the hydrogen-powered spaceplane different from existing rockets is that it will take off horizontally from a runway and reach the outer realms of space before its return, landing in the same way as a regular commercial plane. Its hydrogen-powered engines would cause lower emissions and have improved efficiency compared to traditional jet-fueled engines. ESA, in its statement, said the full-flight system will be a reusable vehicle, scheduled to take flight by 2031. (Edited by Madhurita Goswami) Also Read: A Bengaluru startup is making space travel greener; co-founder says 'fuel of the future' is here


Cision Canada
4 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
MDA SPACE UK TO PRIME ESA AND UK SPACE AGENCY MISSION ESTABLISHING REGENERATIVE, DIRECT-TO-DEVICE 5G COMMUNICATIONS FROM LOW EARTH ORBIT
LONDON, July 16, 2025 /CNW/ - MDA Space Ltd. (TSX: MDA), a trusted mission partner to the rapidly expanding global space industry, today announced that it will prime SkyPhi, a new mission funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the UK Space Agency (UKSA) that will enable regenerative 5G direct-to-device (D2D) satellite communications from low Earth orbit (LEO). The announcement, made today at the UK Space Conference taking place in Manchester, spotlights the UK's role in driving forward next-generation space-based telecommunications and reinforcing its leadership in satellite innovation. Funded by the ESA and the UKSA, the mission is part of the ARTES (Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems) program. SkyPhi supports the development and validation of innovative satcom technologies with strong commercial potential. MDA Space UK will lead phases A and B of the mission in collaboration with UK-based mission partners CGI and Open Cosmos, combining proven strengths in satellite platforms and operations, secure communications, network integration, and advanced payload systems. "This pioneering project led by MDA Space represents the kind of innovation the UK space sector needs to maintain its competitive edge. By starting the development of an end-to-end 5G direct-to-device satellite communications system with a LEO satellite and UK-based ground infrastructure, the project is placing the UK as a leader in new satellite technologies," said Dr. Craig Brown, Director of Investment at the UK Space Agency. "The collaboration between MDA Space, CGI and Open Cosmos demonstrates the power of partnership in solving complex technical challenges." "The selection of SkyPhi and MDA Space UK, supported by our strong UK-based team of industry partners, recognises the depth of talent and innovation resident in the UK space sector," said Mike Greenley, CEO of MDA Space. "Our mission at MDA Space is to turn the proven into the possible, and with the support of the UK Space Agency and ESA, we're putting that goal in motion and advancing a bold vision for satellite-enabled 5G services and the industrial base of the UK space industry." ABOUT MDA SPACE Building the space between proven and possible, MDA Space (TSX: MDA) is a trusted mission partner to the global space industry. A robotics, satellite systems and geointelligence pioneer with a 55-year+ story of world firsts and more than 450 missions, MDA Space is a global leader in communications satellites, Earth and space observation, and space exploration and infrastructure. The MDA Space team of more than 3,400 space experts in Canada, the US and the UK has the knowledge and know-how to turn an audacious customer vision into an achievable mission—bringing to bear a one-of-a-kind mix of experience, engineering excellence and wide-eyed wonder that's been in our DNA since day one. For those who dream big and push boundaries on the ground and in the stars to change the world for the better, we'll take you there. For more information, visit FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release may contain forward looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, which reflects the Company's current expectations regarding future events, including, but not limited to, upcoming missions. Forward looking information is based on a number of assumptions and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control, which could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward looking information. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to the factors discussed under "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form (AIF) dated March 7, 2025 and available on SEDAR+ at The Company does not undertake any obligation to update such forward looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law. SOCIAL MEDIA SOURCE MDA Space