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Aircraft

World's first aerospike rocket test mid-flight successful

By Joe Salas
November 08, 2024
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An onboard look as the very first time an aerospike rocket is being fired in flight on the Polaris Spaceplanes MIRA II
Polaris Spaceplanes
An onboard look as the very first time an aerospike rocket is being fired in flight on the Polaris Spaceplanes MIRA II
Polaris Spaceplanes
The aftermath of the MIRA I crash on takeoff, scrubbing what would have been the first aerospike rocket test back in May of 2024
Polaris Spaceplanes
NASA's concept X-33
NASA
A traditional bell-style rocket versus the linear aerospike rocket
NASA
View gallery - 4 images
View gallery - 4 images

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Joe Salas
A well-established motorcycle action photographer with high-octane gasoline in his veins, Joe also takes a keen interest in a broad range of technologies, gadgets, outdoor living and adventure topics.
4 comments
Robt
Peenemünde and rocketry….hmm, that rings a bell
TechGazer
If they're doing only short tests of the engine, couldn't they use ablative materials instead of expensive alloys or ceramics and cooling systems? I expect the data from these short tests is needed before dealing with longer duration issues, so might as well use disposable engines.
dhdallas
Ever since I was a 7-year old, I was fascinated by the early rocket planes after watching the 1961 movie, "X-15" with Charles Bronson & Mary Tyler-Moore. Without NASA & Boeing involvement, their odds of achieving ultimate success are greatly increased!
windykites
I imagine the engine was tested on the ground. Longer duration?
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