INVICTUS - Europe's new hypersonic test platform (hydrogen fueled, Mach 5 "aerospace vehicle"/"spaceplane")

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https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Engineering_Technology/Shaping_the_Future/INVICTUS_Europe_s_new_hypersonic_test_platform

INVICTUS – Europe’s new hypersonic test platform
16/07/2025

ESA / Enabling & Support / Space Engineering & Technology / Shaping the Future

The European Space Agency (ESA) and UK-based Frazer-Nash have kicked off INVICTUS, a research programme with the goal of developing hypersonic technologies applicable to future reusable vehicles capable of horizontal launch.

INVICTUS is funded through ESA’s General Support Technology Programme (GSTP) and Technology Development Element (TDE) and is a fully reusable experimental aerospace vehicle capable of flying at Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound).

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“By mastering reusable, air-breathing propulsion, we are laying the foundation for aircraft that take off like planes and reach orbit like rockets – revolutionising both terrestrial and orbital transportation. This is where dual-use innovation meets strategic autonomy.”

Tony Forsythe, Head of Space technology at the UK Space Agency, said: “This exciting project, made possible by our investments in the European Space Agency, has significant potential to build on advanced cooling and hypersonic propulsion technology developed by UK engineers over many years. We look forward to seeing how the work develops and the opportunity it presents for boosting economic growth and national security.”

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