Author: TVNZ

A Christchurch-based aerospace company has unveiled its new suborbital spaceplane today, called the MK-II Aurora. 

Dawn Aerospace says it'll one day be able to launch satellites into space.

Chief technology officer Stefan Powell calls it a "massive step forward in space transportation".

Unlike traditional rockets, the MK-II Aurora is hoped to be able to land and refuel at an airport, reaching altitudes of up to 100km - the border of space - in its flights.



Mr Powell says they could use the spaceplanes to "access space daily", without disposable rocket debris polluting the ocean.

Its next iteration, the MK-III Aurora,will be 94 per cent reusable, Dawn Aerospace says.

The MK-II Aurora.

The company claims to have a memorandum of understanding with Waitaki District Council to let them fly suborbitals out of Oamaru Airport.

Test flights will begin later this year, Dawn Aerospace says.

Article: https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/christchurch-based-aerospace-company-unveils-new-suborbital-spaceplane?fbclid=IwAR3bWb58fYxrOidQETxhd4THGDwkaRIYM_ovcdkKsnidmTO56dV2zHOP0q8
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