Dawn Aerospace Unveils Game-Changing Spaceplane in GSA Special Briefing
Recording Now Available
The Global Spaceport Alliance (GSA) has released the full recording of its special briefing featuring Stefan Powell, CEO of Dawn Aerospace, who unveiled a major advancement in suborbital spaceflight: the Aurora spaceplane.
Stefan announced that its Aurora spaceplane is now available for purchase, with first deliveries expected in 2027. This marks
a historic milestone: the first time a space-capable vehicle — designed to fly beyond the Kármán line (100 km – 328,000 ft) – has been offered for direct sale to customers.
Aurora is set to become the fastest and highest-flying aircraft ever to take off from a conventional runway, blending the extreme performance of rocket propulsion with the reusability and operational simplicity of traditional aviation. This breakthrough enables high-frequency, low-cost access to both high-altitudes and space.
Dr. George Nield, GSA Chairman, emphasized the importance of this announcement as it provides access to space for spaceports and its communities. He pointed out that Aurora’s compatibility with existing infrastructure, noting its potential to activate dozens of underutilized spaceports worldwide. Powell also discussed operational simplicity, global regulatory engagement, and upcoming delivery plans, with first customer launches expected in 2027.
Dawn Aerospace is actively seeking operators and partners with existing runway access to support the rollout of this revolutionary system.
About Dawn Aerospace:
Dawn Aerospace is developing the fastest and highest-flying aircraft ever to take off from a runway, combining the extreme performance of rocket propulsion with the reusability of conventional airplanes to enable high-frequency, low-cost access to high-altitudes and space. Dawn’s remotely piloted aircraft are certified under New Zealand’s CAA Part 102 and the New Zealand Space Agency’s High-Altitude License, allowing flight from the ground to beyond 60,00 feet—well above conventional airspace limits.
Dawn’s founders recognized the potential of applying aviation-style operations to spaceflight — delivering routine, runway-based access to space with rocket-powered aircraft. In addition to its spaceplane program, Dawn Aerospace is a leading provider of propulsion systems for satellite developers, with its technology currently on 25 operational satellites.
ABOUT GLOBAL SPACEPORT ALLIANCE
Established in 2015, the Global Spaceport Alliance has become the largest network of spaceports in the world. Members include spaceport operators, suppliers, and government and academic entities involved in the commercial space sector. GSA offers members timely access to information, the ability to engage with key decision makers, and the opportunity to participate in working groups targeting specific areas of interest to the spaceport ecosystem.
