In a significant advancement for aviation technology, Houston-based Venus Aerospace has successfully conducted a flight test of a rotating detonation rocket engine, a pioneering type of propulsion system that could potentially enable flights from Los Angeles to Tokyo in just two hours. This development marks the first full-scale test of such an engine in the United States, showcasing the engine’s capabilities without any moving parts, thereby enhancing fuel efficiency. The company, led by CEO Sarah “Sassie” Duggleby, completed the test at Spaceport America in New Mexico, where the rocket experienced substantial forces, demonstrating the engine’s practical application.
This breakthrough comes at a crucial time as Venus Aerospace aims to revolutionize high-speed travel, a concept previously explored by the Concorde. The rotating detonation engine, long studied but never fully realized due to complex combustion challenges, was successfully integrated into a 12-foot rocket. This test not only proved the engine’s viability but also set the stage for potential commercial and military applications, as indicated by ongoing discussions with defense contractors for engine technology licensing.
Founded in 2020 by Sarah and Andrew Duggleby, Venus Aerospace is headquartered at Ellington Field, home to the Houston Spaceport, and has raised approximately $84 million in venture capital. Key investors include America’s Frontier Fund, Airbus Ventures, and other prominent firms. This financial support, coupled with the success of the recent test, positions Venus Aerospace to expand its workforce and accelerate the development of the Stargazer M4, a high-speed aircraft envisioned to travel at four times the speed of sound. The test underscores the feasibility of this ambitious vision, paving the way for future uncrewed Stargazer flights anticipated in the early 2030s.