Articles tagged with "propulsion-systems"
Indian SpaceX rival EtherealX hits 5x valuation as it readies engine tests
Ethereal Exploration Guild (EtherealX), an Indian space technology startup, has seen its valuation surge 5.5 times to $80.5 million following a $20.5 million oversubscribed Series A funding round led by TDK Ventures and BIG Capital. The Bengaluru-based company is developing a fully reusable launch vehicle designed to return both the booster and upper stage, aiming to reduce launch costs and increase flight frequency. EtherealX plans to conduct hot-fire tests of its two in-house developed engines—the 80-kilonewton Pegasus upper-stage engine and the 1.2-meganewton Stallion booster engine—in June–July 2026, with a technology demonstration flight targeted for late 2027 and commercial missions expected by the end of 2028. The startup’s medium-lift vehicle, Razor Crest Mk-1, will cluster multiple engines per stage (nine Stallion engines on the booster and 15 Pegasus engines on the upper stage) and aims
energyrocket-enginesspace-technologyreusable-launch-vehicleadditive-manufacturingpropulsion-systemsaerospace-materialsSouth Korea launches $3.4B program for new 16,000lb fighter engine
South Korea has committed approximately $3.4 billion (W3.4 trillion) to develop an indigenous fighter jet engine producing 16,000 pounds of military thrust and 24,000 pounds with afterburners. The Advanced Aviation Engine Development Project, scheduled from 2027 to 2040, aims to create a prototype engine, conduct testing and certification, and prepare for integration into domestically produced fighter jets. This engine is intended to power the KF-21 Block 3 fighter, expected to enter service around 2040, marking the first South Korean fighter to fly with a fully domestic engine. The new engine targets a 15% reduction in specific fuel consumption compared to the General Electric F414 engine currently used in earlier KF-21 variants. To ensure effective program management, South Korea has established an inter-ministerial coordination body involving defense, industry, and aviation authorities to avoid delays seen in past aerospace projects. Hanwha Aerospace will lead industrial development, leveraging its experience with licensed
energyaerospace-engineeringfighter-jet-enginespropulsion-systemsSouth-Korea-defenseadvanced-aviation-technologymilitary-technology40 Tomahawks on One Submarine — Block V Virginia-Class
The Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarines represent a pinnacle of undersea warfare technology, combining decades of innovation into a highly advanced and adaptable platform. These submarines are designed for stealth, endurance, and versatility, featuring near-silent propulsion systems, anechoic coatings, and isolated machinery to minimize noise and avoid detection. Powered by nuclear reactors that last the vessel’s entire service life, they carry about 130 crew members and can undertake a wide range of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, land attacks, special operations support, and deployment of unmanned underwater vehicles. A significant advancement in the class is the Block V variant, which incorporates the Virginia Payload Module (VPM)—an 84-foot hull extension housing four large missile tubes capable of launching up to 28 additional Tomahawk cruise missiles. This enhancement effectively transforms the submarine into a near-arsenal platform, compensating for the retirement of Ohio-class guided-missile submarines and reinforcing U.S. and allied naval
energynuclear-reactorsubmarine-technologypropulsion-systemsmilitary-materialsunmanned-underwater-vehiclesnaval-engineeringNew hybrid-electric engines could power next-gen supersonic aircraft
A UK electric powertrain company, Helix, has partnered with US-based supersonic aerospace startup Astro Mechanica to develop the Duality™ hybrid-electric propulsion system aimed at enabling affordable, long-range supersonic flight. This innovative engine architecture combines a turbogenerator core with multiple high-power electric motors, separating the compressor and fan stages from the gas turbine to boost fuel efficiency and reduce operational costs. The system is designed to operate efficiently across a wide speed range, switching between turbofan mode at subsonic speeds, turbojet at low supersonic speeds, and ramjet at higher supersonic speeds, enabling sustained flight above Mach 3. The fourth-generation prototype features four lightweight SPX242-94 electric motors, each delivering up to 400 kW peak power and 470 Nm torque, with continuous output capabilities that meet the extreme demands of supersonic airflow. Helix is also developing custom motors for the next generation of Astro Mechanica’s propulsion system, capable of delivering
energyhybrid-electric-enginessupersonic-aircraftelectric-powertrainsaerospace-technologypropulsion-systemselectric-motorsBlue Origin reveals a super-heavy variant of its New Glenn rocket that is taller than a Saturn V
Blue Origin has unveiled a super-heavy variant of its New Glenn rocket, dubbed New Glenn 9×4, which will be taller than the historic Saturn V and comparable in size to SpaceX’s Starship. This upgraded version features nine engines on the booster stage and four on the upper stage, an increase from the current New Glenn 7×2’s seven and two engines, respectively. The enhanced thrust will enable the rocket to carry over 70 metric tons to low-Earth orbit, positioning it as a strong contender for large-scale missions such as mega-constellations, lunar and deep space exploration, and national security projects like Golden Dome. The new design also includes a significantly larger payload fairing to accommodate bigger cargo. Alongside the introduction of the New Glenn 9×4, Blue Origin has improved the existing 7×2 model by increasing its total thrust and adding reusable fairings to reduce turnaround time between launches. The company is actively competing with SpaceX for NASA lunar missions and
energyaerospacerocket-technologyspace-explorationreusable-rocketslaunch-vehiclespropulsion-systemsUS Navy to add largest-ever 20,800-ton nuclear missile submarines
The Pentagon awarded General Dynamics Electric Boat a $2.28 billion contract on November 17 to support the advanced procurement and construction of five Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines (hulls SSBN-828 through SSBN-832). These submarines represent the next-generation fleet that will serve as the cornerstone of the U.S. sea-based nuclear deterrent for the next 50 years. Work will primarily occur at Electric Boat’s Groton, Connecticut shipyard, with additional activities in Rhode Island and Virginia, coordinated alongside the Naval Sea Systems Command. This contract is part of a long-term effort to replace the aging Ohio-class submarines, which have been the backbone of the U.S. nuclear triad’s sea leg since the 1980s. The Navy plans to field 12 Columbia-class submarines to replace its current fleet of 14 Ohio-class boats, which will begin retiring at a rate of one per year starting in 2027. The Columbia-class subs, the largest ever built for
energynuclear-energysubmarine-technologydefense-technologymaterials-engineeringnaval-engineeringpropulsion-systemsHow a startup is reinventing cryogenic rocket hardware
Astrophel Aerospace, a startup focused on reusable cryogenic rocket engines, is innovating turbopump technology to overcome one of rocketry’s toughest challenges: surviving extreme thermal gradients and mechanical stresses. Turbopumps must operate with one end exposed to turbine gases near 980°C and the other to cryogenic fuels below –180°C, spinning at 25,000 RPM. This creates severe material and design challenges, as thermal expansion mismatches can warp shafts, degrade seals, and seize bearings, often destroying engines and preventing reuse. Astrophel’s gas-generator-cycle turbopump, currently undergoing tests at ISRO facilities, aims to withstand 60–70 thermal cycles while eliminating battery packs, reducing mass, and delivering liquid oxygen at 4.1 kg/s with a pressure ratio of about 10. Unlike electric pump-fed engines that rely on heavy battery packs, Astrophel’s design uses a gas generator to burn a small fraction of propellant, driving the turbine and powering the
materialsaerospace-engineeringcryogenic-technologyturbopumpreusable-rocketsthermal-managementpropulsion-systemsChina's new adaptive-cycle jet engine delivers unprecedented thrust, efficiency
Chinese researchers at the Institute of Engineering Thermophysics have developed and tested a new adaptive cycle engine (ACE), a next-generation jet engine capable of dynamically adjusting its airflow and combustion processes to optimize performance across a wide range of speeds—from takeoff to Mach 4. This engine reportedly delivers 27–47% more thrust than comparable current engines while reducing fuel consumption by about one-third. Unlike traditional turbofan or turbojet engines, which are optimized for either low-speed efficiency or high-speed power but not both, the ACE can switch between modes, effectively acting as both a turbofan and a turbojet depending on flight conditions. This adaptability eliminates the usual trade-off between thrust and fuel efficiency. The Chinese ACE introduces a novel three-stream bypass system, adding a third cooler air stream alongside the two used in U.S. ACE designs like GE’s XA100. This design enhances thermal management, potentially protecting sensitive electronics and stealth coatings by absorbing excess heat and lowering exhaust temperatures to reduce infrared signatures. It also may
energyjet-engineadaptive-cycle-engineaerospace-technologyfuel-efficiencypropulsion-systemshypersonic-flightGE engine to power Shield AI's new X-BAT autonomous fighter jets
US aerospace company GE Aerospace has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Shield AI to provide propulsion for Shield AI’s new autonomous fighter jet, the X-BAT. The X-BAT is an AI-piloted, vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) fighter designed for deployment in contested and communication-limited environments. It is powered by GE’s F110-GE-129 engine, a highly reliable powerplant with over 11 million flight hours since its introduction in the 1980s. This engine features an advanced Axisymmetric Vectoring Exhaust Nozzle (AVEN) that enables the thrust vectoring necessary for the X-BAT’s VTOL capabilities. Unveiled in October 2023, the X-BAT combines VTOL functionality with a range exceeding 2,000 nautical miles and can carry a full mission payload. Shield AI’s proprietary Hivemind autonomy software allows the jet to operate independently or as a drone wingman alongside piloted aircraft. The compact design enables
robotautonomous-vehiclesAIaerospace-engineeringpropulsion-systemsVTOLdefense-technologySouth Korea readies 3,600-ton attack submarine to counter China
South Korea has launched the Jang Yeong-sil (SS-087), a 3,600-ton diesel-electric attack submarine and the lead vessel in the second batch of its indigenous Changbogo-III (KSS-III) program. Unveiled at Hanwha Ocean’s shipyard in Geoje, this submarine represents a significant advancement in South Korea’s naval capabilities, featuring improved sensors, enhanced stealth, longer underwater endurance, and advanced combat systems including the ability to launch land-attack cruise missiles. The vessel, built entirely with domestic technology, underscores South Korea’s strategic goal of defense self-reliance and aims to strengthen the Republic of Korea Navy’s underwater deterrence, particularly in response to regional security challenges posed by China. The Changbogo-III Batch-II submarines build on lessons from the first series by integrating improved propulsion, reduced acoustic signatures, and greater automation for extended deployments. Hanwha Ocean, formerly DSME, leads the construction and has been pivotal in
materialsenergyroboticsdefense-technologysubmarine-technologyautomationpropulsion-systemsUS firm debuts missile that cruises at 35,000 feet with 575-mile range
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions has introduced the Ragnarök Low-Cost Cruise Missile (LCCM), a new precision strike weapon designed to offer long-range capabilities at a significantly reduced cost. The missile features a 575-mile (500-nautical-mile) range, can cruise at altitudes up to 35,000 feet at speeds exceeding Mach 0.7, and carries an 80-pound payload optimized for precision strikes against high-value or time-sensitive targets. With an estimated unit cost of around $150,000 in bulk production, Ragnarök is positioned as a cost-effective alternative to traditional cruise missiles like the Tomahawk, which costs about $1.5 million per round. The missile’s design emphasizes manufacturability, modularity, and tactical flexibility. It incorporates a carbon-composite fuselage for weight reduction, a wing-folding mechanism for compact storage, and compatibility with various launch platforms, including manned and unmanned aircraft such as the XQ-58 Valkyrie
materialsaerospace-engineeringunmanned-systemsdefense-technologycomposite-materialspropulsion-systemsmissile-technologyLockheed's missile with ramjet engine to offer 620-mile range
Lockheed Martin has unveiled its Increment 4 Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) prototype, featuring a combined-cycle propulsion system that integrates a ramjet engine with a solid rocket motor. This advancement is expected to extend the missile’s range to over 620 miles (1,000 kilometers), nearly doubling the current PrSM range of 320 miles. The missile’s design includes mid-body aerodynamic strakes, a blister fairing, and four aft-mounted control surfaces, enhancing its flight stability and maneuverability. A flight test for this Increment 4 version is planned for 2026 to validate its long-range capability and precision. The new missile aims to improve survivability and lethality by following a critical path to its target, making interception by enemy defenses more difficult. Lockheed emphasizes that the missile will not require booster drops during flight, enhancing operational safety over land and water. The PrSM system is compatible with existing launchers like the MLRS M270 and HIMARS, providing artillery units with extended reach
energymissile-technologypropulsion-systemsramjet-enginecombined-cycle-propulsionlong-range-weaponsdefense-technologySpaceX’s Starship: The world’s most powerful rocket explained
SpaceX’s Starship is currently the world’s most powerful rocket, designed to enable human missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Its Super Heavy booster, equipped with 33 Raptor engines, generates about 16 million pounds of thrust—more than twice that of the Saturn V and significantly exceeding NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS). Starship aims to deliver up to 100 metric tons to low Earth orbit (LEO) in a reusable configuration and up to 200 tons expendably, surpassing the payload capacities of previous heavy-lift rockets. A key innovation is its full reusability: both the booster and the upper stage are designed to return safely and be reused, a capability scaled up from SpaceX’s earlier Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets. The Starship program has evolved through several versions since its inception in 2012. Version 2 marked a significant improvement with increased height, propellant capacity, and advanced Raptor engines, alongside design enhancements like a
energyaerospacerocket-technologyreusable-rocketsspace-explorationpropulsion-systemsSpaceXSpaceX’s Second-Gen Starship Signs Off With a Near-Perfect Test Flight
SpaceX successfully completed the final test flight of its second-generation Starship (V2) rocket, marking a significant milestone before transitioning to the next iteration, Version 3, expected next year. The 404-foot-tall stainless steel rocket launched from South Texas, powered by 33 methane-fueled Raptor engines generating 16.7 million pounds of thrust, and followed its flight plan nearly flawlessly. This 11th full-scale Starship test flight was arguably the most successful to date, achieving all mission objectives, including a precise splashdown attempt of the reused Super Heavy booster in the Gulf of Mexico. Although one engine on the booster failed during descent, it did not affect the overall success of the flight. The flight also demonstrated improvements in Starship’s heat shield technology, notably the expanded use of a “crunch wrap” material designed to seal gaps between ceramic tiles and protect the rocket’s stainless steel skin from superheated plasma during reentry. This innovation appeared effective based on initial observations
energyaerospacerocket-technologySpaceXpropulsion-systemsmethane-fuelstainless-steel-materialsWorld’s first space delivery vehicle drops supplies in under an hour
Inversion, a Los Angeles-based aerospace and defense startup, has unveiled Arc, the world’s first space delivery vehicle capable of delivering up to 500 pounds of mission-critical cargo from orbit to nearly any location on Earth in under an hour. Arc is a reusable, lifting-body reentry vehicle about 8 feet tall and 4 feet wide, designed to remain in orbit for up to five years, ready to rapidly descend when needed. It can maneuver during reentry with a cross-range of approximately 621 miles and lands safely under parachutes without requiring runways. Its propulsion system uses non-toxic materials, enabling immediate safe handling after landing. The vehicle is intended to deliver a variety of urgent payloads such as medical supplies and drones, emphasizing rapid, mission-enabling logistics. Beyond cargo delivery, Inversion positions Arc as a hypersonic test platform capable of speeds exceeding Mach 20, sustaining extreme conditions and heavy g-forces for extended periods. This capability supports the growing U.S. defense focus
energyaerospacehypersonic-technologyspace-logisticsspacecraftpropulsion-systemsdefense-technologyUS plans maneuverable defense satellite amid China space gains
The United States is advancing its space defense capabilities through a joint demonstration satellite project by Anduril Industries and Impulse Space, aimed at enhancing maneuverability and rapid repositioning of satellites in geostationary orbit (GEO). This initiative responds to growing Chinese advancements in satellite maneuver technology and close-approach operations, which have prompted the U.S. Space Force to prioritize high-thrust, maneuverable satellites for future defense missions. The demonstration will test rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO), enabling satellites to autonomously track, identify, and approach other spacecraft with greater precision and safety. Impulse Space is providing its Mira spacecraft integrated with the Helios kick stage, powered by the Deneb engine, which can transfer satellites from low Earth orbit (LEO) to GEO in under 24 hours—significantly faster than traditional months-long orbital transfers. Anduril contributes mission payloads including a long-wave infrared imager and a data processor using its Lattice software, which supports autonomous space
energysatellite-technologyspace-defensepropulsion-systemsmaneuverable-satellitesspace-forceorbital-operationsSpaceX Targets an Orbital Starship Flight with a Next-Gen Vehicle in 2026
SpaceX is targeting an orbital flight of its next-generation Starship vehicle by 2026, marking a critical step in the spacecraft’s development. Orbital missions will provide essential data on Starship’s heat shield performance during atmospheric reentry and enable tests of in-orbit refueling, a capability vital for future Mars missions. The company recently completed the 10th full-scale test flight of the combined Super Heavy booster and Starship upper stage on August 26, launching from Starbase, Texas. The flight successfully demonstrated improved propulsion and propellant system reliability, overcoming issues from previous tests, and achieved a controlled splashdown in the Indian Ocean within three meters of the target. A key focus of the recent flight was testing metallic heat shield tiles as a potential alternative to the traditional ceramic tiles. SpaceX installed three metal tiles on the side of the vehicle to evaluate their durability and heat resistance. However, these metal tiles oxidized during reentry, turning a rusty orange color and proving less effective than ceramic
energymaterialsaerospaceSpaceXheat-shieldpropulsion-systemsspacecraftBubble-powered robots: How collapsing cavities could replace needles
A joint US-Chinese research team has developed a novel propulsion method for tiny robots using cavitation—the rapid collapse of bubbles in liquid—to generate mechanical energy. By heating light-absorbing materials with a laser, these microbots, called “jumpers,” create expanding bubbles that collapse violently, releasing shockwaves powerful enough to propel millimeter-sized devices up to 1.5 meters into the air or enable swimming speeds of about 12 meters per second. This laser-controlled bubble collapse allows precise control over movement, including jumping, sliding, or swimming, enabling navigation through complex environments such as microfluidic channels. This breakthrough has significant potential applications in medicine, particularly as a minimally invasive alternative to needle-based drug delivery. The cavitation-powered microbots could be launched through the skin to deliver drugs directly to targeted sites like tumors, overcoming limitations of current microrobots that rely on magnetic fields or chemical fuels. Additionally, these devices could explore confined or harsh environments, including inside pipes or biological systems,
robotsmicrobotscavitationmedical-technologydrug-deliverypropulsion-systemsmicroroboticsWith Starship Flight 10, SpaceX prioritized resilience over perfection
SpaceX’s Starship Flight 10 test emphasized resilience and fault tolerance over flawless performance, marking a key step toward achieving rapid, full reusability for missions to Mars and beyond. The flight intentionally introduced faults to evaluate critical systems such as the heat shield, propulsion redundancy, and engine relighting capabilities. Engineers removed heat shield tiles and tested new actively cooled tiles to assess how much damage the vehicle could endure during atmospheric reentry, addressing one of the biggest engineering challenges for reusability. Additionally, the Super Heavy booster demonstrated engine-out capability by disabling one center Raptor engine during landing burn and successfully using a backup engine, while the in-space relight of a Raptor engine was confirmed for the second time, crucial for deep-space missions. These tests align with NASA’s stringent safety requirements for crewed lunar missions under the Artemis program, which depends on a heat shield that can survive reentry and reliable orbital engine restarts. NASA has contracted SpaceX for a lunar Starship variant, aiming for
energyaerospace-engineeringreusable-rocketsheat-shield-materialspropulsion-systemsSpaceXRaptor-engineHow The Chevy Silverado EV Broke The World EV Range Record - CleanTechnica
The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV Max Range Work Truck (WT) has set a new world electric vehicle (EV) range record by traveling 1,059.2 miles on a single full charge, surpassing the previous record of 749 miles held by Lucid. This achievement was the result of a deliberate challenge among GM engineers to optimize every aspect of the truck’s efficiency, including battery chemistry, drive unit efficiency, software, and vehicle engineering. The test was conducted on public roads near GM’s Milford Proving Ground in Michigan, using an unmodified production vehicle with only minor adjustments such as optimized tire pressure, removal of the spare tire, aerodynamic enhancements, and driver habits aimed at maintaining a steady speed of 20-25 mph. The test emphasized real-world conditions rather than artificial scenarios, with drivers adhering to safe and practical driving behaviors. The engineers’ goal was to maximize the truck’s battery energy for propulsion while minimizing energy losses from other systems. This extensive range test not only demonstrated the
energyelectric-vehiclesbattery-technologyEV-rangeChevrolet-Silverado-EVpropulsion-systemsvehicle-engineering990-lb missile that can hit stealth aircraft, ballistic threats tested
The ASTER B1 New Technology (B1NT) missile, developed by the European consortium Eurosam, has undergone successful live-fire testing at the DGA Essais de Missiles range in France. This upgraded 990-lb (450 kg) missile variant demonstrates enhanced capabilities to intercept advanced aerial threats, including stealth aircraft, low-signature cruise missiles, maneuvering short-range ballistic missiles, and hypersonic targets. The recent tests validated its long-range interception capacity, reaching up to 150 km, and showcased improvements in propulsion, control systems, and guidance technology based on a Ka-band seeker and new interception algorithms. Designed for integration within the next-generation SAMP/T NG air defense system, the ASTER B1NT offers a significant performance boost over previous versions. The SAMP/T NG system features advanced multifunction radar, digital command and control with enhanced data fusion, and improved mobility, enabling rapid deployment and interoperability with NATO air and missile defense networks. Eurosam highlights that the ASTER family
energymissile-technologypropulsion-systemsaerospace-materialsdefense-technologyguidance-systemselectronicsUS firm teases potential successor to SR-71 Blackbird in new video
GE Aerospace has released a teaser video hinting at the development of a potential hypersonic successor to the iconic SR-71 Blackbird reconnaissance aircraft. The video showcases a conceptual rendering of a hypersonic jet powered by GE’s dual-mode ramjet (DMRJ) engines, which were first demonstrated in 2024. These engines utilize rotating detonation combustion (RDC) technology, enhancing fuel efficiency and thrust by harnessing detonation waves in an annular chamber. GE claims its DMRJ engine can achieve speeds exceeding Mach 10, significantly surpassing the SR-71’s top speed of Mach 3.2, suggesting a major leap in hypersonic aviation capabilities. The SR-71 Blackbird, operational from 1966 to 1990, was renowned for its high-altitude, high-speed reconnaissance missions, but modern threats like hypersonic missiles traveling above Mach 5 require next-generation aircraft. While Lockheed Martin is already developing the SR-72, an unm
energyaerospacehypersonic-technologydual-mode-ramjetpropulsion-systemsGE-Aerospaceadvanced-materialsHow Venus Aerospace is engineering the first Mach 9 passenger jet
Venus Aerospace is pioneering the development of the first Mach 9 hypersonic passenger jet, the Stargazer M4, leveraging innovative propulsion technology centered on rotating detonation rocket engines (RDRE) combined with air-breathing ramjets. Hypersonic flight, defined as speeds above Mach 5, could drastically reduce global travel times to under four hours, effectively collapsing global distances. Venus Aerospace CEO Sassie Duggleby highlights that this technology could enable passengers to circumnavigate the globe within a single day, marking a transformative shift in aviation. The RDRE technology, originally conceptualized in the 1950s through Soviet research, utilizes detonation waves traveling around an annular combustion chamber to burn fuel more efficiently than conventional rocket engines that rely on deflagration. Advances in computational modeling, materials science, and experimental testing—such as NASA’s 2023 successful 251-second test firing of a 3D-printed RDRE producing 5,800 lbs of thrust—have
energyaerospace-engineeringhypersonic-flightrotating-detonation-engineramjet-technologypropulsion-systemsadvanced-materialsFormula 1–engineered kamikaze drone strikes targets 155 miles away
MGI Engineering, a British company with Formula 1 engineering roots, has unveiled SkyShark, a next-generation kamikaze drone platform designed for intelligence, strike, and decoy missions. Demonstrated at Enstone Airfield in Oxfordshire, SkyShark can reach speeds exceeding 280 mph (450 kph), strike targets up to 155 miles (250 kilometers) away, and carry a 44-pound (20-kilogram) warhead. It features terrain contour matching (TERCOM) navigation, enabling operations in GPS-denied or jammed environments. The drone comes in two variants: one powered by a gas turbine engine developed by UK-based Argive Ltd for high-thrust tactical missions, and another using an electric ducted fan engine from Greenjets designed for stealthy, low-signature operations. Both versions emphasize British innovation and sovereignty, with all design, manufacturing, and testing conducted domestically to avoid reliance on foreign suppliers. The gas turbine variant offers high performance suited for
robotdroneunmanned-aerial-systemmilitary-technologypropulsion-systemselectric-ducted-fangas-turbine-engineSome Interesting News From Two US Electric Vehicle Stakholders
Allison Transmission Holdings and Dana Incorporated, two longstanding U.S.-based propulsion firms with over a century of experience, recently completed a $2.7 billion transaction in which Allison acquired Dana’s off-highway business. This strategic move aims to expand Allison’s presence in global electric vehicle (EV) markets, particularly in emerging regions like Asia-Pacific, while broadening its commercial-duty powertrain and industrial solutions worldwide. Despite uncertainties in U.S. federal electrification policies, both companies are capitalizing on the growing global demand for EVs, with Allison intensifying its investment in EV-related research and development. For Dana, the sale of its off-highway business represents a significant financial gain—valued at seven times the expected 2025 adjusted EBITDA—and supports its strategic shift toward becoming a more focused supplier of light- and commercial-vehicle electrification solutions. Dana emphasizes its comprehensive in-house capabilities in electric drivetrains, including gearboxes, motors, inverters, and battery management systems, positioning itself
energyelectric-vehiclespropulsion-systemsdrivetrain-technologyautomotive-industryelectrificationmarket-expansion‘Major Anomaly’ Behind Latest SpaceX Starship Explosion
SpaceX's latest Starship rocket, designated Ship 36, exploded during a ground test at the company's Starbase facility in South Texas late Wednesday night. The explosion occurred shortly after the vehicle was loaded with super-cold methane and liquid oxygen propellants in preparation for a static fire test of its six Raptor engines. SpaceX described the incident as a "major anomaly" involving a high-pressure nitrogen tank, or composite overwrapped pressure vessel (COPV), inside the payload bay. Preliminary data suggests this nitrogen COPV failed below its proof pressure under conditions that should not have caused damage, marking a potential first failure of this design. All personnel were evacuated safely, and local authorities responded to the scene. The blast, visible and felt up to 30 miles away, dealt a significant setback to SpaceX's Starship program, which has faced multiple prototype losses during testing since 2020. The explosion also disrupts operations at Massey's Test Site, the only facility where SpaceX conducts proof
energySpaceXrocket-technologypropulsion-systemsmethane-fuelliquid-oxygenaerospace-materialsHonda Shocks World With Surprise Reusable Rocket
The article reveals that Honda, traditionally known as an automobile manufacturer, has unexpectedly announced its entry into the space industry with the development of a reusable rocket. This move surprises many, as Honda has not previously been associated with aerospace technology. The company aims to leverage its engineering expertise to create a cost-effective and reliable launch vehicle, potentially disrupting the current market dominated by established aerospace firms. Honda's reusable rocket is designed to reduce launch costs and increase accessibility to space, aligning with broader industry trends toward sustainability and reusability. While specific technical details and timelines remain limited in the article, Honda's announcement signals a significant strategic shift and suggests that the space sector may soon face new competition from non-traditional players. The development underscores the growing interest among diverse industries in space exploration and commercialization.
energyaerospacereusable-rocketspace-technologyHondapropulsion-systemssustainable-energyFattah: Iran's Mach 15 speeding solid-fueled missiles hit Israel
Iran has launched a new hypersonic ballistic missile named Fattah, capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 15, which successfully penetrated Israel’s air defense systems during the eleventh phase of Operation True Promise III on June 18, 2025. The Fattah is a two-stage, solid-fueled missile equipped with a movable nozzle and an advanced guidance system, enabling high-precision maneuvers both inside and beyond the atmosphere. With a range of approximately 870 miles (1,400 kilometers), the missile’s speed and maneuverability make it difficult for existing anti-missile defenses to intercept. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) described this deployment as a “turning point” that effectively ends Israel’s air defense capabilities, causing fires and structural damage across central Israel. In response to the missile attack, Israel conducted airstrikes targeting multiple Iranian military facilities, including helicopter bases, missile production sites, and centrifuge manufacturing locations, aiming to disrupt Iran’s
materialssolid-fueled-missileshypersonic-technologyaerospace-innovationsmissile-guidance-systemsdefense-technologypropulsion-systemsUS hypersonic aircraft to soar at Mach 5+ with new upgraded engines
The U.S. aerospace company Ursa Major has secured a $32.9 million contract to supply 16 upgraded Hadley H13 rocket engines for Stratolaunch’s Talon-A hypersonic test vehicle over several years. These new engines are designed to be more reusable, supporting more flight starts and thus reducing the cost per test. The H13 engine is an evolution of the existing Hadley engine, featuring advanced metals and an oxygen-rich staged combustion cycle that provides higher thrust (5,000 lbf) and longer operational lifespans. This upgrade aims to enhance Talon-A’s performance and durability, facilitating more frequent and cost-effective hypersonic flight tests. Talon-A is a reusable hypersonic vehicle capable of flying at speeds exceeding Mach 5 and is air-launched from Stratolaunch’s large carrier aircraft. It serves as a Pentagon test platform for military hypersonic technologies and recently completed its second successful Mach 5+ flight test in May 2025. The
energyaerospacehypersonic-technologyrocket-enginespropulsion-systemsreusable-enginesmilitary-technologyUS' interceptor with solid motor can perform better against threats
The U.S. Army’s Next-Generation Short-Range Interceptor (NGSRI), developed by Raytheon and Northrop Grumman, has successfully undergone multiple tests of its solid rocket motor technology, known as Highly Loaded Grain (HLG). This advanced solid propellant offers longer burn times and greater energy output than conventional motors, enabling the missile to fly faster, extend its range, and perform more effectively against advanced aerial threats. The program has completed three static firings in varied environments and a successful ballistic flight demonstration, with further tests planned soon. The missile’s design allows it to be launched from various platforms, including tripods, vehicles, and shoulder launchers. Raytheon and Northrop Grumman’s collaboration has rapidly transitioned the HLG motor from concept to flight-ready status in under six months, leveraging modular design and automated manufacturing techniques. This propulsion innovation enhances speed, range, and mission flexibility in a compact form factor, marking a significant advancement over legacy air defense systems. The NGSRI builds on over 60 years of air defense expertise to deliver a highly capable shoulder-launched missile for the U.S. Army and Marine Corps, aiming to protect warfighters against evolving airborne threats with cutting-edge technology.
energysolid-rocket-motormissile-technologypropulsion-systemsdefense-technologyRaytheonNorthrop-Grumman