From left: Dr. George Nield (Chairman, Global Spaceport Alliance), Jim Bridenstine (Managing Partner of the Artemis Group and Former NASA Administrator), Stefan Powell (CEO, Dawn Aerospace), and Khaki Rodway (Spaceplane Sales & Operations Director, USA, Dawn Aerospace)
Photo: Supplied/Dawn Aerospace
Dawn Aerospace: A New Era in Space Travel
Pioneering the Spaceplane Market
New Zealand-Dutch company Dawn Aerospace has just made a significant leap into the future of aeronautics by selling its first-ever spaceplane. This achievement not only marks a turning point for Dawn but also represents a transformative moment for the global space industry.
An Historic Sale
Under a groundbreaking US$17 million (NZ$28 million) deal, Oklahoma has secured the purchase of the Mk-II Aurora rocket-powered aircraft. This landmark agreement will see Dawn Aerospace providing not just the aircraft itself but also all essential components for its operation, including ground support equipment, licensing, and a dedicated support team.
- Delivery is slated for 2027
- Manufacturing will take place in Christchurch, New Zealand
A Game Changer for the Industry
Stefan Powell, CEO of Dawn Aerospace, exclaimed the importance of this deal:
"This is really the first time anyone has been able to buy a spacefaring capability. Normally, you can buy a service where someone will take your payload to space or suborbital."
Powell further emphasized that this milestone signifies a shift towards a more scalable business model, akin to an airline approach, moving away from single-use services. This new model is poised to revolutionize how businesses engage with space exploration and technology.
Innovative Features of the Aurora
The Mk-II Aurora isn’t just another aircraft; it’s a marvel in its own right. This remote-piloted craft can transport small payloads of up to 5 kg to altitudes of 100 kilometers (330,000 feet), with an impressive turnaround time of just four hours.
- This will also make the Aurora the first aircraft to attempt reaching the Karman line—the boundary between Earth’s atmosphere and outer space—twice in a single day.
Setting Records and Breaking Boundaries
Dawn Aerospace has been actively testing this aircraft, which can take off from a standard runway. In 2024, the Mk-II Aurora accomplished a remarkable feat by breaking the sound barrier, reaching Mach 1.12 at 82,500 feet (25,146 meters), and setting a record for the fastest climb to 20 kilometers (65,600 feet).
What Lies Ahead?
As we stand on the brink of a new era in space travel, this partnership between Dawn Aerospace and Oklahoma illustrates the rising trend of commercial space exploration. The sale of the Mk-II Aurora isn’t just a win for Dawn—it’s an invitation to other industries to rethink their approach to space and technology.
Stay informed about the latest in space exploration and aerospace technology by signing up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter that delivers insightful articles straight to your inbox every weekday.
The future of aeronautics is bold, promising, and has only just begun. What does this mean for us? The possibilities are limitless, and Dawn Aerospace is leading the charge into a new frontier.
