The European Space Agency (ESA) and UK-based Frazer-Nash have kicked off INVICTUS, a research programme with the goal of developing hypersonic technologies applicable to future reusable vehicles capable of horizontal launch.INVICTUS is funded through ESA’s General Support Technology Programme (GSTP) and Technology Development Element (TDE) and is a fully reusable experimental aerospace vehicle capable of flying at Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound).The vehicle will demonstrate key technologies for sustained hypersonic flight in the atmosphere and will be upgradable, allowing for the exchange of materials, software and propulsion systems between flight test campaigns.INVICTUS builds on previous technology developments managed by ESA and will offer industry, agencies and academia an opportunity to test future hypersonic technologies in a relevant environment.One of the main challenges of operating a hypersonic vehicle is that at high speed, due to shock heating and surface friction, the outer surface of the aircraft and the air entering the engines are extremely hot. These conditions call for specialised technologies as well as unique propulsion systems to power the vehicle through the high speed ranges.David Perigo, ESA’s chemical propulsion engineer and the programme’s technical lead, explains: “The INVICTUS programme will prove the suitability of a hydrogen-fuelled precooled air-breathing propulsion system for horizontal take-off and hypersonic flight. It will provide an invaluable opportunity to test the complete engine flow path, from intake to afterburner, at full scale in an integrated aircraft.”The precooler system, building on technology developed through ESA's SABRE study, was designed by UK-based Reaction Engines Ltd and funded through ESA’s GSTP in its initial stages.This innovative technology, able to chill superheated air in a fraction of a second, has already been successfully demonstrated through integration with conventional jet engines.In addition to providing a cooling system, the lightweight architecture of a SABRE-like engine paves the way for true spaceplanes, able to take off horizontally from a runway, taking us a step closer to widespread access to space.Mark Ford, Head of ESA's Chemical Propulsion Section, comments: “INVICTUS is an important next step in developing the technologies required for future spaceplanes and will give Europe a unique asset for exploring this type of flight.”Sarah Wilkes, Managing Director at Frazer-Nash, said: “INVICTUS is an exciting opportunity to provide advanced technology for space and realise dual-use capabilities. With strong industry support and deep engineering and aerospace expertise – including Frazer-Nash colleagues with a decade of propulsion experience – we have all the right ingredients to make this ambitious vision a reality.”Tommaso Ghidini, Head of ESA’s Mechanical Department, adds: “Hypersonic flight is not just the next frontier of aerospace – it is the gateway to a new paradigm of mobility, defence, and space access. With INVICTUS, Europe is seizing the opportunity to lead in technologies that will redefine how we move across the planet and reach beyond it.“By mastering reusable, air-breathing propulsion, we are laying the foundation for aircraft that take off like planes and reach orbit like rockets – revolutionising both terrestrial and orbital transportation. This is where dual-use innovation meets strategic autonomy.”Tony Forsythe, Head of Space technology at the UK Space Agency, said: “This exciting project, made possible by our investments in the European Space Agency, has significant potential to build on advanced cooling and hypersonic propulsion technology developed by UK engineers over many years. We look forward to seeing how the work develops and the opportunity it presents for boosting economic growth and national security.”Over the next 12 months, the INVICTUS consortium, led by Frazer-Nash and including Spirit AeroSystems and Cranfield University, will deliver the preliminary design of the full flight system.
Invictus is certainly a better name (imo) than Skylon. However, I hope it doesn't come back to bite them in the ass. Personally I would have chosen Prometheus. Regardless, I wish them every success and here's hoping they manage to get a working prototype in the air. Also, as REL is no longer, perhaps we need a new thread to discuss Invictus.
Scott Manley@DJSnMAfter Reaction Engines went bankrupt we were wondering who would acquire their technology and whether they'd still be interested in space planes."Frazer-Nash has announced it is leading a new research programme, known as INVICTUS, to develop a comprehensive concept design for a vehicle and its integrated systems, with the goal of building and flying a Mach 5-capable aircraft at the edge of space by early 2031"
https://rdw.com/capabilities/sabresat/Is this sabresat derived from the US REL adventure?
Two UK sites shortlisted for INVICTUS hypersonic test programme24/11/2025 The European Space Agency (ESA) has shortlisted Spaceport Cornwall and Machrihanish in the UK as testing locations for INVICTUS, a research programme with the goal of developing Europe’s new hypersonic test platform. INVICTUS – Europe’s new hypersonic test platformINVICTUS will deliver a hypersonic flight test capability unlike anything currently available in Europe, enabling technologies that make future reusable spaceplanes possible.The programme is designed to de-risk critical innovations such as advanced propulsion, thermal protection, and guidance systems by testing them under real-world conditions, accelerating Europe’s progress toward aircraft-like access to space. ESA’s Director of Technology Dietmar Pilz said: “INVICTUS has all the potential to become a cornerstone for Europe’s future in space access. By successfully demonstrating reusable horizontal launch technologies, this programme ensures Europe remains competitive and strengthens collaboration across member states.” Tony Forsythe, Head of Space Technology at the UK Space Agency, said: “The shortlisting of Spaceport Cornwall and Machrihanish demonstrates the UK’s infrastructure and expertise in advancing cutting-edge aerospace technologies. INVICTUS represents exactly the kind of ambitious, collaborative programme that could cement the UK’s position as a European leader in space innovation. “By pioneering reusable spaceplane technologies and hypersonic flight capabilities, we’re potentially not only opening new frontiers for space access but also creating high-value jobs, driving regional growth, and developing skills that will benefit the UK for generations to come.” Frazer-Nash Consultancy, prime contractor and systems integrator for INVICTUS, supported ESA in undertaking various site visits to assess possible UK launch sites against the needs of INVICTUS and to elicit requirements for the future programme. Sarah Wilkes, Managing Director at Frazer-Nash Consultancy: “We’re excited to collaborate with Spaceport Cornwall and Machrihanish to establish a European hypersonic test capability here in the UK. INVICTUS harnesses the exceptional expertise and innovation found across our UK regions.” Michael J Ryan, European Space and Defence and Government Affairs, Spirit AeroSystems, supporting the INVICTUS airframe development added: “It’s fantastic to see UK regions leading the way in delivering INVICTUS. Our Belfast facility is already a recognised center of excellence for aerospace, and this program is vital to ensuring we continue to push boundaries, supporting innovative space access and strengthening national security.” The benefits extend far beyond space. INVICTUS will create hundreds of highly-skilled jobs in UK regions, attract inward investment, and anchor advanced aerospace capability. At the same time, the programme provides a dual-use platform for defense innovation, accelerating the development of hypersonic technologies vital to national and allied security. It will also support Jet Zero, the UK’s commitment to net-zero aviation, by advancing hydrogen propulsion systems. Noah Law, Member of Parliament for St Austell and Newquay commented: “INVICTUS would be an immensely welcome, long-term partner for and the kind that such a fine aerospace asset as Spaceport Cornwall - with one of the longest runways in the country and dedicated airspace - deserves.” Richard Lochhead, Minister of Business for Scotland, said: “Machrihanish offers a unique opportunity to host hypersonic test operations and an exciting new platform to continue driving growth in Scotland’s burgeoning space sector whilst reinforcing our commitment to innovation and sustainability.” INVICTUS is more than a test programme; it is a strategic investment in European collaboration. By bringing together expertise across member states, the initiative will deliver uniquely competitive space access systems that enhance strategic autonomy and reinforce security for Europe. INVICTUS is funded through ESA’s General Support Technology Programme (GSTP) and Technology Development Element (TDE).
Spaceport Cornwall has been selected by the government to help develop hypersonic defence technology for the UK.The site based at Cornwall Newquay Airport is one of 90 organisations chosen to be part of the Ministry of Defence's £1bn Hypersonic Technologies and Capability Development Framework.The seven-year programme aims to research and develop hypersonic technology - such as guidance systems, warheads and liquid propellants - as part of the government's Strategic Defence Review.
The early 1980s saw the arrival of Naval Special Warfare Unit 2 and Naval Special Warfare Task Group Europe, both components of the US Navy SEALs Naval Special Warfare Group 2.[15] New buildings for the SEAL's use were constructed in the south-west part of the airfield. The main building featured offices, debriefing areas, armoury, sound proof room, internal 25m firing range and garage. A separate building contained a parachute drying tower and a large hall which allowed large vehicles to access the building directly from transport aircraft. A Gaydon type hangar was also constructed.[16]From 1981, RAF Machrihanish was certified as a potential emergency landing site for the Space Shuttle, to be used in the case of a transoceanic abort.[17]
