INVICTUS will deliver a hypersonic flight test capability unlike anything currently available in Europe, enabling technologies that make future reusable spaceplanes possible. This 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.
Frazer-Nash is prime contractor and systems integrator for INVICTUS and 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, Frazer-Nash Managing Director: “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.”
Dietmar Pilz, ESA Director of Technology 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.”
Sir Michael J Ryan CBE, VP, 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 recognized 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, the Scottish Government’s Minister for Business 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.
Notes to Editors
What is INVICTUS?
INVICTUS is a Mach 5-capable aircraft that will act as a testbed to de-risk the critical technologies required to develop a European spaceplane. The vehicle will be 36 meters long and have a wingspan of 11m. It will be able to travel from zero to Mach 5 and 25+ km altitude from a runway, with its full flight powered by air-breathing propulsion. Its top speed would be equivalent to London to Manchester in 3 minutes.
INVICTUS builds on the groundbreaking pre-cooler technology pioneered by Reaction Engines Ltd for its engines. Following Reaction Engines Ltd entering administration in October 2024, Frazer-Nash has recruited five engineers from the Reaction Engines team, ensuring this nationally important capability is retained. The European Space Agency has provided access to the critical intellectual property needed to continue developing this technology for spaceflight applications.
What is attractive about Spaceplanes?
Spaceplanes represent a fundamentally different architecture compared to vertical launchers (rockets), such as SpaceX Starship. The architecture has several advantages including , higher responsiveness and launch cadence, enhanced safety, reliability and sustainability, greater scalability, mobility and flexibility, while being cost-competitive with the fully reusable vertical launch systems. The technology pioneered by INVICTUS is critical to achieving this future.
What is the current activity?
INVICTUS is a €7 million ESA-funded research activity to develop the concept and elements of the preliminary design phase of the programme, including airframe design, systems analysis, propulsion integration, materials research, and programme planning. It also enables collaboration across academia, SMEs, and industry leaders.
