The escape velocity is the velocity necessary to escape the gravitational field of the earth and reach a heliocentric orbit or another planet, e.g. Mars.
For any object remaining in an orbit around earth, the required velocity is significantly smaller, e.g. the orbial velocity of ISS (~ 400 km orbit) is about 7.9 km/s.
Indeed. The original ESA announcement doesn’t mention the aim to reach earth orbit with the INVICTUS at all, just the aim to test materials and technology for future space ships, so it will basically become an European X-15.
“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.”
The biggest chalenge for these air-breathing engines is the thermal management at hypersonic speeds - above Mach 3 the air compression heats everything to insane temperatures that will melt conventional materials.
The escape velocity is the velocity necessary to escape the gravitational field of the earth and reach a heliocentric orbit or another planet, e.g. Mars.
For any object remaining in an orbit around earth, the required velocity is significantly smaller, e.g. the orbial velocity of ISS (~ 400 km orbit) is about 7.9 km/s.
Oh ok. Tanks for the clarification.
Anyway, that’s still about mach 23, so a lot more than the planned speed.
Indeed. The original ESA announcement doesn’t mention the aim to reach earth orbit with the INVICTUS at all, just the aim to test materials and technology for future space ships, so it will basically become an European X-15.
That’s probably the quote Heise misunderstood.
The biggest chalenge for these air-breathing engines is the thermal management at hypersonic speeds - above Mach 3 the air compression heats everything to insane temperatures that will melt conventional materials.
Thank you for the insight.