Space Engine Systems signs LOI with Cecil Spaceport in Florida
Jacksonville Aviation Authority’s Cecil Spaceport has entered into a preliminary agreement to lease propulsion technology development facilities to Space Engine Systems (SES), a Canadian aerospace company that is pioneering the next generation of propulsion technologies for aerospace and space.
“Development of Space Engine Systems’ propulsion technologies program exemplifies the type of operations Cecil Air and Spaceport was developed to facilitate.”
Todd Lindner, Director of Cecil Spaceport.
Headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, Space Engine Systems’ ultimate goal is the design of a reusable, single stage-to-orbit cruise vehicle that is capable of flight up to hypersonic speeds for use in aerospace and space applications. To achieve these targets, the company is developing a light, reusable, multi-fuel propulsion system.
When a final agreement is reached, Cecil Spaceport will function as the company's North American operation. To accommodate the European market, SES has entered into a similar agreement with Spaceport Cornwall located in St. Mawgan, Newquay in the United Kingdom.
“We’re very excited to be working with Space Engine Systems and look forward to assisting with the fulfillment of the Company’s goals and mission objectives,” said Todd Lindner, Director of Cecil Spaceport. “Development of Space Engine Systems’ propulsion technologies program exemplifies the type of operations Cecil Air and Spaceport was developed to facilitate.”
SES President and Chief Technology Officer Pradeep Dass noted that Florida is an excellent location for the company’s plans in the U.S. “Cecil Spaceport is doing their best to provide us with all the support and the willingness to work with SES for our launch experimental flight both for suborbital and LEO (low Earth orbit),” Dass said.
According to the company, the DASS Hypersonic Plane is a revolutionary vehicle for space and aerospace applications and it utilizes the DASS GNX propulsion system, which includes a combined cycle air breathing engine, an air breathing multi-fuel scramjet, and a rocket engine. The aerospace version is capable of cruising at hypersonic speeds. It has horizontal launch capabilities, allowing it to take-off and land from conventional runways.
Cecil Spaceport currently has one tenant – Generation Orbit – and is in discussions with two other launch-related companies: Aevum Inc. and Space Perspective.
(Source: Jacksonville Aviation Authority news release. Image provided by Space Engine Systems)