Polaris Aerospace is set to make history this month with the world’s first aerospike-powered aircraft, despite setbacks from a crash earlier in the year. The MIRA I, a prototype designed to test the innovative aerospike rocket engine, suffered a devastating crash upon takeoff. However, Polaris quickly pivoted to their next steps, announcing plans to proceed with two new prototypes, MIRA II and III.
These new airframes, recently unveiled on LinkedIn, are 16.4 ft (5 m) long and boast a 30% larger wing area compared to the original MIRA I. Polaris has decided to build two identical airframes to expedite testing and maintain a backup aircraft. Both prototypes are currently fiberglass-based, but the final versions will incorporate advanced materials like Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP).
The MIRA I did complete successful flights before its crash, using traditional kerosene turbine engines. However, the crash occurred during its first flight using the AS-1 LOX/kerosene aerospike rocket engine, which failed at speeds over 100 mph (160 kph). Aerospike engines are unique because they adjust their thrust based on altitude and speed, making them potentially efficient from sea level to space. Unlike traditional rocket engines with fixed nozzles, the aerospike’s design dynamically adapts to different atmospheric conditions, eliminating the need for multiple engine stages.
Polaris’ ultimate goal with the MIRA project is to create a fully reusable spaceplane that can carry cargo or passengers into orbit and land on a runway, all in a single stage. Test flights have previously been held at Peenemünde Airfield, Germany, and further testing of MIRA II and III is expected soon.
The aerospace world is eagerly awaiting these next test flights, which could mark the first aerospike-powered aircraft in flight. Polaris is already planning its next supersonic prototype, NOVA, set to launch in 2025.
