An Australian startup- Hypersonix Launch Systems is developing a new space launch vehicle, the majority of which will be manufactured using a 3D printer, including the hydrogen engine. Here’s a look at the future of space flying as imagined by the start-up.
Satellite launch has traditionally been linked with huge rockets that take off vertically from a launchpad. Hypersonix Launch Systems, an Australian aerospace engineering business, is now attempting to devise a revolutionary method of doing so. What is its solution? A space plane that travels faster than sound and is comprised of 3D printed materials. The space vehicle, known as Delta Velos, is being built in Sydney, Australia, in collaboration with the University of Sydney. The one-of-a-kind plane is now being built and tested at the University of Sydney’s Darlington campus’ engineering sector.
When completed, it will address two major concerns with current spaceflight. For starters, it will reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emitted during a rocket’s takeoff. Second, it will optimise the manufacturing process by employing various materials from the periodic table as well as innovative methodologies for their application.
The engineering team led by Professor Simon Ringer of the University of Sydney will assist the start-up with this new production. Using powerful 3D printers, the crew will create pieces for the fuselage and the scramjet engine for Delta Valid. These printers will use additive manufacturing technology, which will enable the mixing of different elements from the periodic table to create new alloys.
‘This is a completely novel method of producing metallurgical materials.’ It’s not like a foundry, and it’s not like what happens at a steel plant,” Prof Ringer told AAP in an interview.
“In 3D, we can create shapes and designs that we could never create before.” “You may let your imagination run wild,” he continued. The ability will allow the researchers to create and test novel alloys that may have beneficial features such as high-temperature strength, which is vital for space flight.
Once completed, the hypersonic spaceship will use the world’s first 3D printed scramjet engine to launch tiny satellites into orbit. However, it is not the current aim. Hypersonix intends to test the scramjet engine in proof-of-concept vehicles before creating the actual spaceplane.
It will launch the prototype spaceplanes utilising a single hydrogen-powered engine for a 500-kilometer flight distance. During flight, the real Delta Velos will use six of these green engines.
The utilisation of a hydrogen engine for space flight will allow Hypersonix to leave its mark in history, as such an engine would only emit water as a byproduct of combustion and no carbon emissions. The day it becomes a reality will be a watershed moment in the aerospace industry.
