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The Airframer Bulletin

Airframer · Dawn Aerospace Mk-II Aurora · Dawn Aerospace
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Every Bulletin story and press release covering Airframer · Dawn Aerospace Mk-II Aurora · Dawn Aerospace, newest first.

5 items

2026
16 June

ReleaseDawn Aerospace closes US$25 million Series B to accelerate global expansion of reusable space transportation

2024
20 November From the Pilot Cam; Mk-II Aurora at Apogee, 25km, 82,500ft altitude.

Dawn breaks sound barrier and global records

Dawn Hypersonics will now focus on advancing hypersonic flight, with a strong emphasis on international markets. Key research, development, and flight testing will continue in Christchurch, New Zealand.

10 October Mk-II Aurora at 63,000 ft, September 2024 from Glentanner Aerodrome, New Zealand.

Rapidly reusable rocket-powered aircraft flies twice in one day

The flights are part of the vehicle envelope expansion program, intended to identify vehicle dynamics in the transonic regime as Dawn Aerospace works towards breaking the sound barrier.

17 July The Mk-II Aurora during an all-up systems test in June 2024 at Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre.

Dawn's rocket-powered UAV is cleared for supersonic testing

At full performance, the Mk-II will fly faster and 2.5 times higher than any prior aircraft that takes off from a runway, including the current record holder, the SR-71 Blackbird.

2023
13 April The Mk-II Aurora.

Dawn's spaceplane takes flight under rocket power

The Mk-II Aurora had previously been tested using surrogate jet engines, while the latest campaign was the first conducted under rocket power. All test objectives were achieved.