https://spacewatch.global/tag/stefan-powell/ AN INDEPENDENT PERSPECTIVE ON SPACE Mon, 23 Mar 2026 09:32:50 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://spacewatch.global/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/SpaceWatchGlobal-Sign-90x90.png https://spacewatch.global/tag/stefan-powell/ 32 32 https://spacewatch.global/2026/03/dawns-aurora-spaceplane-completes-radar-tracking-experiment-with-new-zealand-defense-and-navy/ Mon, 23 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=72236 The Royal New Zealand Navy, Defense Science and Technology, and Dawn Aerospace, have completed a live radar tracking experiment using a reusable rocket-powered aircraft during the Dawn Aerospace Radar Tracking Experiment. The trial, involving Dawn's Aurora spaceplane, evaluated the surveillance radar’s ability to detect and track a high-altitude, high-speed air vehicle under controlled conditions.]]> https://spacewatch.global/2025/06/dawn-aerospace-expands-to-u-s-with-reusable-spaceplane-elevates-oklahoma-as-microgravity-launch-hub/ Fri, 13 Jun 2025 08:35:12 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=65780 Dawn Aerospace has signed a binding agreement with the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority (OSIDA) to deliver and operate its Mk-II Aurora spaceplane from the Oklahoma Air and Space Port in Burns Flat by 2027. ]]> https://spacewatch.global/2025/05/dawn-aerospace-begins-taking-orders-for-aurora-spaceplane/ Fri, 23 May 2025 06:00:00 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=65451 Dawn Aerospace has announced that its Aurora spaceplane is now available for purchase, with first deliveries expected in 2027. This marks the first time a space-capable vehicle has been offered for direct sale to customers.]]> https://spacewatch.global/2024/10/dawn-aerospace-flies-aurora-twice-within-8-hours/ Mon, 07 Oct 2024 06:00:00 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=61543 Dawn Aerospace has demonstrated the rapid reusability of its rocket-powered aircraft, the Mk-II Aurora, with two flights within 8 hours. The flights took place from Glentanner Aerodrome on the South Island of New Zealand, reaching speeds of Mach 0.9, 950km/h, and a maximum altitude of 63,000 ft. These were the 8th and 9th flights of the Mk-II Aurora under rocket power.  ]]> https://spacewatch.global/2024/08/dawn-aerospace-completes-flight-test-of-its-mk-ii-aircraft/ Wed, 07 Aug 2024 06:00:40 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=56489 Dawn Aerospace has announced the completion of another flight test campaign of its Mk-II rocket-powered aircraft. The campaign (dubbed Campaign 2-2) saw three flights completed in late July. In flight three, Dawn achieved a maximum speed and altitude of Mach 0.92 (967 km/h) and 50,000ft (15.1km). This represents 3x and 5x of what it achieved in the previous campaign.]]> https://spacewatch.global/2024/08/dawn-unveils-on-orbit-docking-and-refueling-capabilities/ Fri, 02 Aug 2024 06:00:39 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=56436 Dawn Aerospace has disclosed its Docking and Fluid Transfer (DFT) port for SatDrive propulsion systems to enable in-space refueling for Dawn customers. The DFT leverages Dawn’s existing flight-proven components such as valving common to the B20 thruster. Over 200 such valves are already in space. As a result, multiple SatDrive customers are in line to use the DFT port, the first of which will tentatively launch in 2025.]]> https://spacewatch.global/2023/11/dawn-aerospace-expands-operations-to-france/ Thu, 16 Nov 2023 07:00:38 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=52317 Dawn Aerospace, a space transportation company, announced on the 14th of November the formation of a new subsidiary Dawn Aerospace France SAS based in Toulouse. The office will initially focus on customer support, business development and research and development (R&D). Dawn Aerospace already has offices based in the Netherlands, New Zealand and the USA. ]]> https://spacewatch.global/2023/04/mk-ii-aurora-achieves-rocket-powered-flight/ Fri, 07 Apr 2023 06:00:22 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=47876 Dawn Aerospace, a space transportation company with operations in New Zealand, the Netherlands, and the United States, has announced the successful completion of the first rocket-powered flight campaign of its spaceplane, the Mk-II Aurora. The flights occurred at Glentanner Aerodrome on the 29, 30, and 31 March. For the Company, the accomplishment signifies a major milestone in its mission to revolutionize space access as well and thus provide end-to-end space transportation.]]> https://spacewatch.global/2023/03/dawn-aerospace-receives-certification-for-mk-ii-aurora/ Mon, 27 Mar 2023 06:00:04 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=47522 Dawn Aerospace has received certification from the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA) for the imminent rocket-powered flight campaign of its Mk-II Aurora spaceplane. Mk-II Aurora's mission is to fly to space twice in a day and, in doing so, demonstrate that rocket-powered systems can be as reusable as commercial aircraft]]> https://spacewatch.global/2023/03/dawn-aerospace-and-lynk-partner-for-satellite-propulsion-systems/ Tue, 14 Mar 2023 07:00:00 +0000 https://spacewatch.global/?p=47189