This Game-Changing Aircraft Is About to Do Something That’s Never Been Done Before – Get Ready!

German startup Polaris Aerospace is steadily moving forward after a setback involving its demonstrator MIRA. The team is determined to push ahead with the development of their next models, MIRA II and MIRA III, as they set the stage for their ambitious spaceplane concept, Aurora.

The original MIRA I prototype, designed to test the world’s first aerospike rocket engine, experienced a crash shortly after takeoff, preventing the groundbreaking propulsion system from igniting as planned. However, this has not derailed Polaris from its mission. The company has now received key components for its next two vehicles, marking a significant milestone.

Both MIRA II and MIRA III are demonstration models, leading up to the eventual creation of Aurora, a next-generation spaceplane aimed at revolutionizing cargo and passenger transport.

The Aerospike Engine Concept

Most rocket engines are designed with bell-shaped nozzles that work best within a specific altitude range. As a rocket ascends, the atmospheric conditions change, meaning the shape of the nozzle needs to adjust for peak performance. This is typically why rockets use multiple stages, with each stage having a nozzle optimized for different phases of flight.

The aerospike engine, however, takes a different approach. Rather than using a traditional nozzle, it directs exhaust along the sides of a central spike. This allows the surrounding air to serve as the other side of the nozzle, adapting to changing altitudes and speeds without the need for multiple stages. While the aerospike may not outperform a bell nozzle at its peak, its efficiency is consistent from the ground all the way into space.

Polaris’s MIRA project centers on developing a fully reusable spaceplane, capable of operating as a single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) vehicle. This spaceplane would be able to take off and land on standard runways, simplifying the logistics of space travel.

MIRA I successfully completed multiple test flights using conventional kerosene turbine engines. However, after the installation of its aerospike engine, a mishap occurred during takeoff, reaching speeds of over 100 mph (160 kph). The aircraft was destroyed before it could become the first to fly powered by an aerospike engine.

Moving Forward: Polaris’s Supersonic Vision

The new MIRA II and MIRA III are significant upgrades from their predecessor. Both aircraft measure 16.4 feet (5 meters) in length, with a 30% larger wing area, compared to the original MIRA’s 14-foot (4.3-meter) design. This added size will help improve flight-testing capabilities.

Not only are these models larger, but Polaris has incorporated valuable lessons from the earlier tests into their design. Each will feature four turbines and the same LOX/kerosene linear aerospike rocket engine. While the airframes are made from fiberglass for demonstration purposes, future supersonic and hypersonic models will be built with Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) for greater durability and performance.

Polaris explained their decision to build two identical aircraft: “We decided to build two vehicles rather than one in order to speed up flight testing and to have a reserve aircraft. In the coming weeks we will assemble and integrate the new aircraft, make them flight-ready, and prepare the documentation required for the operation licenses.”

What’s Next for Polaris

With the new MIRAs expected to be assembled and flight-ready by September, Polaris is gearing up for another round of tests. These tests will likely mark the final phase of pure technology demonstration, as the company sets its sights on the future.

By 2025, Polaris aims to roll out NOVA, a supersonic successor to the MIRA series. This new vehicle, measuring approximately 8 meters long, will be the prototype for Polaris’s commercial offering, taking their innovative concepts from the demonstration phase to full-fledged market viability.

Polaris Aerospace’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of space travel technology remains steadfast, as they continue to refine and enhance their designs, bringing the dream of reusable spaceplanes closer to reality.