CURRENT CONTEXT : The European Space Agency (ESA), along with UK-based Frazer-Nash Consultancy, has launched INVICTUS, a programme to develop hypersonic flight technologies.

ABOUT INVICTUS

• Type: Experimental, fully reusable aerospace vehicle
• Speed: Capable of reaching Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound)
• Funded under:
• ESA’s General Support Technology Programme (GSTP)
• Technology Development Element (TDE)

KEY FEATURES

• Designed for sustained hypersonic flight within Earth’s atmosphere
• Fully reusable and upgradable platform Allows exchange of materials, propulsion systems, and software between test campaigns

SIGNIFICANCE

• Aims to demonstrate the feasibility of a hydrogen-fuelled, precooled air-breathing propulsion system

Supports horizontal take-off and landing, paving the way for reusable spaceplanes in the future