Space & Satellites
UniSQ and DLR Successfully Complete GAsFEx-2 Hypersonic Flight Test
UniSQ and DLR execute GAsFEx-2 mission using a cost-effective ride-along model to advance hypersonic research and data collection.
In a significant stride for international aerospace collaboration, the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) has successfully completed its second hypersonic flight experiment, known as GAsFEx-2 (Germany Australia Flight Experiment II). Launched on November 12, 2025, from the Esrange Space Center in Sweden, the mission utilized the German Aerospace Center’s (DLR) MAPHEUS-16 sounding rocket. This event marks a pivotal moment for the iLAuNCH Trailblazer program, demonstrating the viability of cost-effective flight testing for hypersonic technologies.
The mission saw the payload ascend to an altitude of approximately 267 kilometers, reaching well into the thermosphere. During the 14-minute flight, the experiment experienced over six minutes of microgravity, providing a pristine environment for data collection. This launch was not merely a repetition of previous efforts but a sophisticated evolution, designed to test advanced avionics and gather critical aerothermodynamic data under real-world hypersonic conditions. The success of this operation underscores the growing capability of Australian institutions to lead complex, multi-national space missions.
At the heart of this achievement is the strategic shift toward a “ride-along” operational model. By integrating the GAsFEx-2 payload into a rocket primarily tasked with materials physics research, the team effectively bypassed the prohibitive costs associated with dedicated hypersonic launches. This approach aligns with the broader goals of the iLAuNCH Trailblazer initiative, which aims to accelerate the commercialization of space research and foster a sovereign space manufacturing sector in Australia.
One of the most substantial hurdles in hypersonic research has always been the astronomical cost of flight testing. Traditionally, validating technology at speeds exceeding Mach 5 requires booking an entire launch vehicle, a financial burden that often stifles innovation for startups and universities. The GAsFEx-2 mission challenges this paradigm by proving that high-value hypersonic experiments can successfully “hitch a ride” on existing launches. According to project data, this rideshare approach can reduce testing costs by up to 95 percent compared to standalone campaigns.
The technical execution of this model required precise engineering. The GAsFEx-2 experiment was one of 21 different payloads aboard the MAPHEUS-16 rocket. It was integrated specifically into the nosecone to measure temperature and flight conditions during the high-speed ascent without interfering with the primary scientific payloads. This successful integration demonstrates a scalable pathway for frequent, affordable access to hypersonic environments, allowing researchers to iterate designs much faster than previously possible.
We see this mission as a validation of the “flight heritage” concept. For emerging aerospace companies, proving that components function in the harsh environment of space is a prerequisite for commercial adoption. By lowering the barrier to entry, the ride-along model allows entities like HyperFlight Systems to gain this crucial flight heritage without the need for massive capital investment in launch infrastructure.
“This successful flight is a key step toward making hypersonic flight testing more accessible, affordable, and reliable. By demonstrating our ability to design, manufacture and fly ride-along hypersonic payloads, we’re opening new opportunities for industry and academia.”, Professor Ingo Jahn, UniSQ Project Lead.
The GAsFEx-2 mission was a complex orchestration of international expertise. While UniSQ led the project and experiment design, the execution relied heavily on the capabilities of the German Aerospace Center (DLR). DLR’s Mobile Rocket Base (MORABA) managed the launch operations, utilizing the MAPHEUS-16 vehicle powered by two “Red Kite” solid rocket motors. This configuration allowed the rocket to carry a record payload mass of 500 kilograms, facilitating the inclusion of multiple experiments.
A critical component of the mission was the involvement of HyperFlight Systems, a Queensland-based aerospace startup established in 2022. The mission provided a platform to test their next-generation avionics hardware and data acquisition systems. Obtaining data from a real hypersonic flight is invaluable; it moves technology from a theoretical Readiness Level (TRL) to a proven status. The avionics monitored the vehicle’s performance, ensuring that the data collected was accurate and retrievable. Furthermore, the collaboration extended to the Technical University of Munich (TUM), which partnered on simulation and numerical monitoring. This relationship creates a vital feedback loop. The real-world data harvested from the flight is used to validate computer simulations and ground-based tests conducted at UniSQ’s TUSQ hypersonic wind tunnel. This “closing of the loop” ensures that future digital models are more accurate, reducing the risk for subsequent physical tests.
“This collaboration provides a platform for us to prove new avionics designs in a relevant hypersonic environment. Working alongside UniSQ and international partners strengthens Australia’s aerospace capability by building local expertise in hypersonic flight systems.”, Robert Pietsch, Principal Engineer at HyperFlight Systems.
The successful recovery of the payload and the data it contains signals a shift from pure research to commercial application. The ability to retrieve the experiment intact allows for post-flight analysis of thermal protection systems and structural integrity. This is particularly relevant for the development of reusable hypersonic vehicles, a sector that is garnering significant global attention. The improved recovery mechanisms tested during this mission ensure that sensitive instruments can be reused, further driving down costs.
Looking at the broader picture, the iLAuNCH Trailblazer program’s $180 million investment is beginning to yield tangible results. By linking academic research with industry needs, the program is cultivating a workforce skilled in advanced manufacturing and avionics. The GAsFEx-2 mission serves as a case study for how government-backed initiatives can facilitate international cooperation that benefits local industry. It positions Australian companies not just as participants, but as competent partners in the global space economy.
As we look toward the future, the frequency of these tests is expected to increase. The standardization of the ride-along interface means that future MAPHEUS launches could routinely carry Australian hypersonic experiments. This regularity is essential for rapid prototyping cycles, allowing engineers to test, fail, fix, and fly again within months rather than years. It is a methodology that accelerates innovation and ensures that safety and reliability standards keep pace with technological advancements.
The GAsFEx-2 mission represents more than just a successful rocket launch; it illustrates a sustainable model for the future of hypersonic research. By leveraging international partnerships and utilizing excess capacity on sounding rockets, UniSQ and its partners have demonstrated a pathway to reduce the financial and logistical barriers that have long hindered the sector. The data gathered from the thermosphere will now feed back into laboratories in Queensland and Munich, refining the models that will design the next generation of aerospace vehicles.
As the global demand for faster, more reliable space access grows, the ability to conduct frequent and affordable flight testing will be a decisive competitive advantage. Through the iLAuNCH Trailblazer program, Australia is securing its foothold in this high-tech domain, proving that with the right collaboration, the sky is no longer the limit.
Question: What is the primary goal of the GAsFEx-2 mission? Question: How does the “ride-along” model benefit researchers? Question: Who are the key partners involved in this project?
UniSQ and DLR Successfully Execute GAsFEx-2 Hypersonic Mission
The “Ride-Along” Model: Reducing Costs and Barriers
Strategic Partnerships and Technical Validation
Future Implications for the Aerospace Industry
Concluding Section
FAQ
Answer: The primary goal was to test advanced avionics and gather aerothermodynamic data at hypersonic speeds using a cost-effective “ride-along” model on a DLR sounding rocket.
Answer: It significantly reduces costs, by up to 95%, by allowing hypersonic experiments to hitch a ride on rockets already scheduled for other missions, rather than funding a dedicated launch.
Answer: The project is led by the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) in partnership with the German Aerospace Center (DLR), HyperFlight Systems, the Technical University of Munich (TUM), and supported by the iLAuNCH Trailblazer program.
Sources
Photo Credit: iLAuNCH
Space & Satellites
Lockheed Martin Awarded $1.1B Contract for SDA Tranche 3 Satellites
Lockheed Martin secured a $1.1B contract to build 18 Tranche 3 satellites for the Space Development Agency’s missile tracking and defense network.
This article is based on an official press release from Lockheed Martin.
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has been awarded a major contract with a potential value of approximately $1.1 billion by the Space-Agencies (SDA). Announced on December 19, 2025, the agreement tasks the aerospace giant with producing 18 space vehicles for the Tranche 3 Tracking Layer (TRKT3) constellation. These satellites are a critical component of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), a network designed to detect, track, and target advanced missile threats, including hypersonic systems.
This award represents a significant portion of a broader $3.5 billion investment by the SDA, which simultaneously issued Contracts to Rocket Lab, Northrop Grumman, and L3Harris. Together, these companies will construct a combined total of 72 satellites. According to the announcement, Lockheed Martin’s specific allotment of satellites is scheduled for launch in Fiscal Year 2029.
Under the terms of the agreement, Lockheed Martin will deliver 18 missile warning, tracking, and defense space vehicles. Unlike traditional legacy programs that often take a decade to field, the SDA operates on a rapid “spiral development” model, fielding new generations, or “tranches”, every two years. Tranche 3 is particularly significant as it represents the “Sustained Capability” generation, designed to replenish and replace earlier satellites while introducing advanced fire-control capabilities.
The satellites will be manufactured at Lockheed Martin’s SmallSat Processing & Delivery Center in Colorado. The company confirmed that Terran Orbital will continue to serve as a key supplier, providing the satellite buses. This continuation of the supply chain partnership aims to maintain production stability across the various tranches.
A defining feature of the Tranche 3 Tracking Layer is the inclusion of “fire-control quality” tracking. While previous iterations focused primarily on warning and tracking, half of the payloads in this new constellation are designated for missile defense. This means the satellites can generate data precise enough to guide an interceptor to destroy a threat, rather than simply monitoring its trajectory.
“The Tracking Layer of Tranche 3… will significantly increase the coverage and accuracy needed to close kill chains against advanced adversary threats. The constellation will include a mix of missile warning and missile tracking, with half the constellation’s payloads supporting advanced missile defense missions.”
Gurpartap “GP” Sandhoo, Acting Director, Space Development Agency
With this latest award, Lockheed Martin’s total backlog with the SDA has grown to 124 space vehicles across multiple tranches. This reinforces the company’s position as a dominant player in the rapid-acquisition space sector. The SDA’s strategy involves splitting awards among multiple vendors to foster competition and reduce industrial base risk. The $3.5 billion total funding for Tranche 3 was distributed as follows:
Lockheed Martin and Rocket Lab received higher contract values, which industry analysts attribute to the complexity of the defense-specific payloads included in their respective lots.
“Lockheed Martin’s ongoing investments and evolving practices demonstrate our commitment to supporting the SDA’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture. These innovative approaches position Lockheed Martin to meet the warfighter’s urgent need for a proliferated missile defense constellation.”
Joe Rickers, Vice President of Transport, Tracking and Warning, Lockheed Martin
The awarding of the Tranche 3 contracts highlights a pivotal shift in U.S. defense strategy toward “proliferated” architectures. By deploying hundreds of smaller, cheaper satellites rather than a handful of large, expensive targets (“Big Juicy Targets”), the U.S. Space Force aims to increase resilience against anti-satellite weapons. If an adversary destroys one node in a mesh network of hundreds, the system remains operational.
Furthermore, the explicit mention of “fire-control quality tracks” signals that the PWSA is moving from a passive observation role to an active engagement support role. This is a direct response to the development of hypersonic glide vehicles by peer adversaries, which fly too low for traditional ground-based Radar-Systems to track effectively. The reliance on Terran Orbital for satellite buses also underscores the critical nature of supply chain continuity; as production rates increase to meet the two-year launch cycles, prime contractors are prioritizing established supplier relationships to minimize delay risks.
Lockheed Martin Secures $1.1 Billion Contract for SDA Tranche 3 Tracking Layer
Contract Specifications and Deliverables
Advanced Fire-Control Capabilities
Strategic Context and Industry Landscape
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin
Space & Satellites
Venturi Space Completes Driving Tests for MONA-LUNA Lunar Rover
Venturi Space successfully tests MONA-LUNA lunar rover at ESA’s LUNA facility, validating key mobility and wheel tech for a 2030 Moon mission.
This article is based on an official press release from Venturi Space.
Venturi Space has announced the successful completion of the first driving tests for its MONA-LUNA lunar rover. Conducted at the European Space Agency’s (ESA) newly inaugurated LUNA analog facility in Cologne, Germany, these tests mark a pivotal step in Europe’s roadmap toward autonomous lunar exploration. The rover, designed to be “100% European,” demonstrated its capability to navigate loose regolith and steep inclines, validating key technologies intended for a targeted 2030 mission to the Moon’s South Pole.
According to the company’s announcement, the tests focused on mobility, obstacle traversal, and the durability of onboard electronic systems under simulated lunar conditions. The successful campaign confirms the viability of Venturi’s proprietary wheel technology and sets the stage for further development leading up to integration with the European Argonaut lander.
The testing campaign took place at the LUNA facility, a joint operation by ESA and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) that opened in September 2024. The facility features a 700-square-meter hall filled with 900 tonnes of regolith simulant, volcanic powder derived from the Eifel region, designed to mimic the surface of the Moon. The environment also replicates the unique lighting conditions of the lunar South Pole, providing a high-fidelity testing ground for robotic systems.
Venturi Space reports that the MONA-LUNA rover exceeded initial performance targets during these Test-Flights. Specifically, the vehicle successfully climbed slopes of up to 33 degrees and navigated large rocky obstacles without losing traction. A primary objective was to verify that the rover would not sink into the loose soil, a common hazard in lunar exploration.
A critical component validated during these tests was the rover’s “hyper-deformable” wheel technology. Invented by Venturi, these wheels are designed to absorb shocks and maximize the contact patch with the ground, providing necessary grip on soft, unstable surfaces. Dr. Antonio Delfino, Director of Space Affairs at Venturi Space, emphasized the importance of this validation.
“The main objective… was to validate the rover’s mobility in conditions representative of a lunar surface, with a particular focus on the interaction between its hyper-deformable wheels and a highly realistic regolith simulant.”
Dr. Antonio Delfino, Venturi Space
The MONA-LUNA is engineered to serve as a logistics and exploration vehicle capable of surviving the harsh lunar environment. According to technical details released by Venturi Space, the rover weighs approximately 750 kg, with the capacity to extend to 1,000 kg depending on specific mission payloads. It is capable of speeds up to 20 km/h (approximately 12.4 mph). The vehicle is electrically powered, utilizing solar panels and three high-performance batteries. Crucially, the rover is built to endure the extreme thermal variations of the lunar cycle, with a stated operating range of -240°C to +110°C. It is equipped with a robotic arm for scientific tasks and is designed to carry cargo or, in emergency scenarios, an astronaut.
The development of MONA-LUNA represents a strategic shift toward European independence in space logistics. Currently, much of the global lunar infrastructure relies on non-European Partnerships. By developing a sovereign rover capable of launching on an Ariane 6 rocket and landing via the European Argonaut lander (developed by Thales Alenia Space), Europe is securing its own access to the lunar surface.
This autonomy is further supported by Venturi’s industrial expansion. The company plans to open a new 10,000-square-meter facility in Toulouse, France, by 2028. This factory will employ approximately 150 engineers dedicated to the Manufacturing of the MONA-LUNA, signaling a long-term industrial commitment beyond the initial prototype phase.
While the MONA-LUNA is targeted for a 2030 launch, Venturi Space has outlined an incremental approach to technology validation. Before the full-sized rover reaches the Moon, a smaller “sister” rover named FLIP (FLEX Lunar Innovation Platform) is scheduled to launch in 2026.
Developed in partnership with the U.S. company Venturi Astrolab, FLIP will fly on a commercial mission with Astrobotic. This earlier mission will serve as a “pathfinder,” testing the same batteries and wheel technologies in the actual lunar environment four years before the MONA-LUNA mission. Gildo Pastor, President of Venturi Space, expressed confidence in the current progress following the Cologne tests.
“Seeing MONA LUNA operate on the legendary LUNA site is a profound source of pride… We know we have only completed 1% of the journey that, I hope, will take us to the Moon.”
Gildo Pastor, President of Venturi Space
The successful completion of these driving tests at the LUNA facility confirms that the foundational mobility technologies required for Europe’s 2030 lunar ambitions are now operational in a relevant environment.
Venturi Space Successfully Tests “MONA-LUNA” Rover at ESA’s New Lunar Facility
Validating Mobility in a Simulated Lunar Environment
Performance of Hyper-Deformable Wheels
Technical Specifications and Mission Profile
AirPro News Analysis: The Push for European Autonomy
Future Roadmap: From FLIP to MONA-LUNA
Sources
Photo Credit: Venturi Space
Space & Satellites
Skyroot Aerospace Sets Launch Window for Vikram-1 Orbital Rocket
Skyroot Aerospace prepares for Vikram-1’s maiden orbital launch in early 2026 from Sriharikota, focusing on tech validation with reduced payload.
This article summarizes reporting by India Today and Sibu Tripathi.
Skyroot Aerospace, India’s pioneering private space technology firm, has commenced final preparations for the maiden orbital launch of its Vikram-1 rocket. According to reporting by India Today, the launch vehicle has been transported to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, with the company targeting a Launch window within the next two months.
This mission marks a critical transition for the Hyderabad-based company, moving from suborbital demonstration to full orbital capability. While the primary goal is reaching Low Earth Orbit (LEO), company leadership has emphasized that the inaugural flight is primarily a validation exercise for their proprietary technology.
As of mid-December 2025, the first stage of the Vikram-1 rocket has arrived at the spaceport in Sriharikota. India Today reports that integration and assembly operations are currently underway at the launch site. Skyroot co-founder Bharath Daka indicated that all subsystems are expected to be ready within approximately one month, followed by a final round of validation checks.
Based on this timeline, the launch is projected to occur in early 2026 (January or February). This schedule aligns with the company’s rapid development pace following the inauguration of their new Manufacturing facility, the Infinity Campus, in November 2025.
Maiden flights of new orbital class rockets carry significant risk, a reality Skyroot leadership is openly acknowledging. To mitigate potential losses, the rocket will carry a reduced payload. India Today notes that the vehicle will fly with approximately 25% of its maximum payload capacity to de-risk the mission.
While orbital insertion is the ultimate objective, the company has set incremental benchmarks for success. Speaking to India Today, Bharath Daka emphasized that surviving the initial phases of flight would be a major technical victory.
“We will consider the mission a meaningful achievement even if the rocket simply clears the launch tower,” Daka told India Today.
In addition to clearing the tower, the engineering team is focused on the vehicle surviving “Max-Q”, the point of maximum aerodynamic pressure, and successfully executing stage separation. These milestones provide critical data for future iterations, regardless of whether the final orbit is achieved on the first attempt. The Vikram-1 represents a significant leap in complexity compared to its predecessor, the Vikram-S, which completed a suborbital test flight in November 2022. Unlike the single-stage suborbital demonstrator, Vikram-1 is a multi-stage launch vehicle designed for the commercial small satellite market.
The upcoming launch of Vikram-1 is a bellwether event for the Indian private space sector. Following the government’s liberalization of the space industry, Skyroot’s progress serves as a test case for India’s ability to foster a commercial ecosystem parallel to the state-run ISRO. If successful, Vikram-1 will position India as a competitive player in the global small satellite launch market, challenging established entities like Rocket Lab. The decision to lower public expectations by focusing on “clearing the tower” is a prudent communication Strategy, common among launch providers facing the high statistical failure rates of debut flights.
When will Vikram-1 launch? Where will the launch take place? What is the primary payload?
Launch Timeline and Status
Managing Expectations for the Maiden Flight
Defining Success
Technical Context: The Vikram-1 Vehicle
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
According to current reports, the launch is targeted for early 2026, likely within January or February.
The mission will launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, India.
Specific payload details have not been fully disclosed, but the rocket will carry a reduced load (approx. 25% capacity) to minimize risk during this test flight.
Sources
Photo Credit: Skyroot Aerospace
-
Commercial Aviation7 days agoAirbus Validates Critical Rendezvous Phase for Wake Energy Retrieval
-
Training & Certification7 days agoDiamond Aircraft Restarts European DA20i Production with First Delivery
-
Commercial Aviation6 days agoVietnam Grounds 28 Aircraft Amid Pratt & Whitney Engine Shortage
-
Business Aviation2 days agoGreg Biffle and Family Die in North Carolina Plane Crash
-
Defense & Military4 days agoFinland Unveils First F-35A Lightning II under HX Fighter Program