A Revolutionary Multipurpose Spaceplane & Hypersonic Transport System
Aurora was developed at the German Aerospace Center DLR, based on more than 30 years of German and European spaceplane research. The spaceplane Aurora combines aircraft and rocket launcher technologies within a unique design. Aurora offers a game-changing economic viability and opens the door for routine low-cost and safe access to space.
Aircraft-like operation from runways worldwide – without requiring a launch pad
Major launch cost reduction compared to traditional rockets due to reusability and elimination of launch pad
Up to 1,000 kg orbital payload and up to 10,000 kg suborbital/hypersonic payload
< 24 h mission preparation and turnaround
Any orbit inclination can be reached
Unique safety level due to mission abort capability with safe payload return
Unique sustainability due to 90 to 100 % total system reusability and eco-friendly propellants
Reproducibility of experiments or training flights due to multi-flight capability within short time
Aurora features a unique multi-mission capability unprecedented in spaceflight. While traditional small launchers effectively can address only a single market – small satellite launch – Aurora can serve at least 5 different use cases. This enables access to a large customer portfolio and market volume, creating a strong business case unrivaled by traditional small launchers.
Two-stage-to-orbit with expendable upper-stage
Factor 2-3 cost/kg reduction compared to traditional rockets
Any orbit inclination can be reached
Unprecedented low mission lead and preparation time
Unprecedented safety level due to mission abort capability
Reproducibility of experiments due to multi-flight capability with rapid turnaround
Retrievability of experiments
Unprecedented mission and trajectory flexibility
Hypersonic reconnaissance and other defense applications
Unique combination of peak flight altitudes (>100 km) and peak flight velocities (Ma >10)
Unprecedented robustness & resilience
Medium range transport for high-value goods
Factor 5-10 reduction in flight times
Optional upgrade of spaceplane for transporting human beings
Human research, astronaut training
Reproducibility of experiments or training flights due to multi-flight capability within short time
Unprecedented mission and trajectory flexibility
High safety level due to full mission abort capability
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