Space Engine Systems to Boost UK Hypersonic Capabilities with New £1 Billion Development Framework

EDMONTON, ALBERTA - Space Engine Systems (SES), has secured a place in the UK Ministry of Defence's (MoD) £1 Billion GBP ($1.27 Billion USD) Hypersonic Technology and Capability Development Framework (HTCDF). This framework, facilitated by Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), aims to expedite the development of the UK’s first hypersonic missile capabilities over the next seven years.

“We are looking forward to providing the UK MoD with innovative solutions to the complex challenge of hypersonic flight as well as being a part of the growth in the UK’s industrial base in this critical sector, which we can also leverage to support a sovereign UK space launch capability.” - Pradeep Dass, President and CTO of Space Engine Systems

Founded in 2011, SES has established itself as a leader in aerospace and space propulsion technology. The company is currently developing the Hello series of hypersonic spaceplanes, designed to provide low-cost transportation of payloads to space and facilitate human missions to the Moon.

Leveraging advanced modeling, simulation technologies, and innovative airframe structures capable of withstanding the extreme conditions of hypersonic travel SES is set change the industry with their multi-fuel turbo-ramjet (Dass GNX) engine.

SES's strategic positioning is enhanced by its operations at Spaceport Cornwall in the UK and a second spaceport in the US. These locations provide SES with the flexibility to conduct tests and missions across two continents, supported by dedicated teams at each site.

In addition to their hypersonic projects for the UK MoD, SES is preparing for commercial payload launches. They are accepting orders for suborbital and orbital flights, set to begin in 2025 with the Hello-1 spaceplane, capable of transporting a 550 kg payload to low Earth orbit (LEO). The larger HELLO-2 spaceplane will have the capacity to deliver payloads up to 5,500 kg to LEO.

The Hello-1X Technology Demonstrator, scheduled for flight from the US in 2024 pending regulatory approvals, will precede both.

SES boasts AS 9100D (Aerospace) certification and Controlled Goods Program (CGP) registration. All Hello series spaceplanes are designed to be piloted, with an autonomous option available.

SES has also partnered with Graphene Innovations Manchester, UK, to integrate graphene technology into their designs. This collaboration focuses on creating lightweight cryogenic metal tanks for liquid hydrogen, addressing the challenge of hydrogen embrittlement and offering solutions for various transportation applications. Furthermore, SES has formed a strategic service partnership with Meridian Space Command, headquartered at Space Park Leicester. Meridian specializes in mission management and operations, bolstering the UK’s space capabilities.

SES’s in-house manufacturing capabilities cover a range of advanced aerospace products, including thermal management systems, cryogenic turbopumps, sophisticated dry running gearboxes, high-efficiency turbine engines, and the world’s most efficient cryogenic heat exchanger, capable of removing approximately 10 MW of heat in less than 7.5 milliseconds.

With these developments, SES is poised to play a pivotal role in advancing both the UK’s and the global hypersonic and space launch capabilities, driving innovation and growth in these cutting-edge sectors.