Australia Begins Development of the World’s First Hydrogen-Powered Hypersonic Aircraft
Australian company Hypersonix Launch Systems has started developing the world’s first reusable hydrogen-fueled hypersonic aircraft, after securing $46 million in funding. The investment comes from the National Reconstruction Fund (NRFC), Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC), and several international defense investors. This funding will support Australia’s ambitions in hypersonic flight and the growth of its aerospace industry.
Based in Brisbane, Hypersonix employs 45 specialists in engineering, advanced manufacturing, and testing. The team is building the first reusable hydrogen-powered hypersonic vehicle capable of flying at speeds up to twelve times the speed of sound.
Founded in 2019 by Dr. Michael Smart, a former NASA researcher and professor at the University of Queensland, Hypersonix focuses on developing eco-friendly, high-performance flight systems based on hydrogen propulsion.
At the heart of the platform is the SPARTAN scramjet engine — a fully 3D-printed air-breathing jet engine with no moving parts, capable of reaching speeds exceeding 14,000 km/h.
Unlike traditional kerosene engines, SPARTAN runs on hydrogen, producing zero carbon emissions and enabling sustainable, reusable hypersonic flights with minimal maintenance requirements.
