Australia-based Hypersonix Launch Systems has secured a U.S. patent for key features of its green hydrogen-powered hypersonic spaceplane, the Delta Velos.
This development is hailed as a potential game-changer in space technology, with the promise of crossing the Atlantic Ocean in 90 minutes at Mach 12 while producing zero pollution.
The Delta Velos, in development for five years, is designed to reach any orbit from any launch site. Measuring 12 meters in length with a 3.5-meter wingspan, it aims to revolutionize satellite and payload transportation to space. Hypersonix touts its fifth-generation scramjet engines, which, if powered by green hydrogen, could represent a significant leap in sustainable aerospace technology. These engines, combined with the use of ceramic matrix composites for high strength-to-weight ratio and thermal shock resistance, are intended to make the vehicle reusable and cost-effective.
However, the realization of these technological promises is fraught with challenges. The successful integration of scramjet engines and hydrogen fuel technology at hypersonic speeds is a complex engineering task. While the use of green hydrogen as fuel is commendable, it also requires robust infrastructure for hydrogen production, storage, and refueling, which is currently limited.
Globally, the push for hypersonic and supersonic travel is gaining momentum. Projects like the UK’s Reaction Engines’ SABRE and the US’s X-51A Waverider serve as benchmarks. These projects, while advanced, highlight the technical and economic challenges inherent in developing hypersonic vehicles. Hypersonix’s Delta Velos, though ambitious, must be measured against these existing efforts to gauge its potential success.
The collaboration between Hypersonix and the U.S. Department of Defense on Dart AE, a Mach 7 jet, is a critical step. Dart AE, constructed using 3D printing, serves as a proof of concept for Delta Velos. Yet, the operational deployment of Dart AE and its subsequent scaling to Delta Velos will need to address significant technical hurdles, including engine efficiency, thermal management, and structural integrity at hypersonic speeds.
If successful, Delta Velos could significantly reduce the cost and environmental impact of space travel. The shift from traditional rocket fuels to green hydrogen represents a crucial move towards sustainable space exploration. However, the economic feasibility of producing and maintaining such advanced technology is a considerable challenge. The initial development costs are high, and the economic benefits will only be realized if the technology can be reliably scaled and operated at a lower cost than current methods.
Furthermore, while green hydrogen is a cleaner alternative, its production is not entirely without environmental impact. The electrolysis process required to produce green hydrogen consumes significant amounts of electricity, which must come from renewable sources to ensure true sustainability. This necessitates substantial investment in renewable energy infrastructure.
The vision for Delta Velos is ambitious, aligning with global efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate climate change. The potential to transform satellite launches and enable rapid, low-pollution transatlantic travel is compelling. However, as noted by Alessandro Renesis from Supercar Blondie, the journey from concept to reality in hypersonic transport is long and uncertain. The skepticism is warranted given the technical, economic, and infrastructural challenges that lie ahead.
