Formalised with a Master Research Collaboration Agreement (MRCA) with the University, the two groups will now look to both research and manufacture the components of a zero-emission hypersonic spaceplane powered by hydrogen.
This will enable the use of green hydrogen to launch satellites into low earth orbit (LEO) a key component for scaling the Australian space industry.
Read more: Hypersonix opens international office to accelerate hydrogen spaceflight ambitions
Read more: Hypersonix places order to manufacture a 3D printed hydrogen-powered scramjet engine
The vehicle in question, the Delta Velos, will be powered by four green hydrogen-fuelled scramjet engines, enabling carbon neutral propulsion.
It will also include the world’s first 3-D printed fixed geometry, with no moving parts, scramjet engine in Australia, completed under the Australian Commercialisation grant awarded to Hypersonix in August 2020.
With the agreement, Sydney researchers will develop flight-critical components including the spaceplane’s launch system, further versions of the scramjet engine, testing several material components, and vehicle fuselage at the University’s Sydney Manufacturing Hub.
This could see an acceleration in the development of the green hydrogen-powered spaceplane and also enhance it to ensure that it is more equipped for space missions.
David Waterhouse, Managing Director of Hypersonix, said, “We are pleased to have found such 3-D additive engineering facilities in Sydney and are impressed with the capabilities of Simon Ringer’s team.
“We are aiming to launch DART AE in the first quarter of 2023. It is good to be busy, right?”
Professor Ringer, Leader of the research team at the University of Sydney, said, “We are delighted to be working alongside such an innovative, deep technology company like Hypersonix using advanced 3-D printing processes and world-class additive manufacturing facilities for such an important challenge.
“Additive manufacturing is making the previously impossible, possible. This includes the proposed manufacture of satellite-launching spaceplane components right here at the University of Sydney’s Darlington campus, situated in the very heart of Tech Central.”
Making hydrogen happen
This March, H2 View will explore A Climate for Action and Investment in Europe in an immersive event that features some of the leading stakeholders and influencers in hydrogen, as well as a return to in-person networking and the opportunity to meet the Women in Hydrogen driving the agenda forward.
Taking place in Munich, Germany, confirmed speakers already include the Hydrogen Council, Hydrogen Europe, Clean Hydrogen Partnership, FiveT Hydrogen, Airbus, Nel and Michelin.
Further information on the event, agenda and confirmed speakers can be found here.
To book your ticket, click here.