“Invictus: The European Spaceplane That Could Break the Sky as We Know It”
Europe is building a hypersonic aircraft that will take off from a common runway and fly at more than five times the speed of sound. This promises to transform the way we access space. From satellites to defense, and sustainable mobility, this opens the door to a new aerospace era for the continent.
A launch towards orbital independence
It is much more than a project. It is a strategic statement by the European Space Agency. With an initial budget of 7 million pounds, the project brings together key players like [name]. Its goal is to build a reusable aerial system that works on suborbital and orbital flights, taking off from conventional runways. The idea is not just to advance in technology but to ensure that Europe does not depend on others to reach space. In an era where technological sovereignty becomes crucial, this project is significant.
The technology behind the speed
One of the most revolutionary innovations of the project is its propulsion system, based on the pre-cooler originally developed for the SABRE engine. This technology, inherited from the canceled Skylon project, allows air to be cooled before it enters the engine, avoiding damage at high temperatures. Thanks to this advancement, the aircraft can achieve high speeds without compromising its internal structure, using atmospheric oxygen in the early stages of flight. This not only reduces the need for fuel but also enables a lighter, faster, and more efficient architecture.
More than an aircraft: a paradigm shift
[name] summarizes it as follows: “Hypersonic flight is not just an aeronautical evolution. It is a new era of mobility and defense.” Invictus embodies this vision: a vehicle capable of launching satellites, transporting critical cargo, or performing quick response missions in space. Acting as a rocket, this aircraft could mark a turning point in how Europe explores, protects, and connects with space. If everything progresses as planned, the first flight will take place in 2031. And with it, Europe could conquer not only the sky, but also beyond.
