The Journal of Space Commerce

The Journal of Space Commerce

The Dawn of the Aurora Spaceplane Era

Rocket-Powered Test Flight Campaign Leads to Production Spacecraft

Tom Patton's avatar
Tom Patton
Jan 13, 2026
∙ Paid

After 47 flights on jet power, the Dawn Aerospace Aurora has evolved to a rocket-powered and world-record-setting suborbital spaceplane. Flight 48 to Flight 62 showcased these 15 test flights conducted between 2023 and 2025 demonstrating rapid testing and relentless innovation.

Flight testing is rarely a smooth process, and the campaign saw its fair shar…

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