Planned Hypersonic Passenger Jet Would Travel 7,000 mph

In an era where speed and efficiency are paramount, the aerospace industry constantly pushes the boundaries of what is possible. Enter the Venus Stargazer Spaceplane, a revolutionary aircraft designed to be the fastest, most advanced passenger plane ever created. With its ambitious goal of global transport in just one hour, this futuristic marvel is set to redefine how we travel.

Developed by the US aerospace start-up Venus Aerospace in collaboration with NASA’s top human spaceflight facility, the Stargazer Spaceplane is poised to revolutionize how we traverse the globe. Unlike anything seen before, this hypersonic aircraft aims to travel at an astonishing Mach 9, nearly seven times the speed of sound or approximately 7,000 mph.

With the capability to carry 12 passengers, the Stargazer Spaceplane promises to transport individuals to any destination within a mere 90 minutes by flying to the cusp of space. Dr. Andrew Duggleby, co-founder of Venus Aerospace, emphasizes that this is not science fiction but rather science fact.

The Stargazer Spaceplane will utilize traditional jet engines for takeoff and landing, but once it leaves urban centers, its rocket engines will propel it to unmatched speeds. Soaring four times higher than conventional airliners, this extraordinary aircraft will give passengers an awe-inspiring view of the Earth’s curvature, offering a truly unique travel experience.

While the Stargazer Spaceplane will not breach the boundaries of space, it will reach an altitude of approximately 170,000 feet, providing an exhilarating sensation of being on the verge of the unknown. With a width of 100 feet and length of 150 feet, this colossal aircraft will weigh around 150,000 pounds at takeoff.

Three critical elements have been incorporated into the Stargazer’s design to accomplish this technological feat. Firstly, a groundbreaking liquid-propellant rotating detonation rocket engine will generate 15 percent more thrust, propelling the aircraft to extraordinary speeds. Venus Aerospace is pioneering this engine, making it the world’s first.

Secondly, state-of-the-art cooling technology has been implemented to ensure the aircraft’s wings can withstand the extreme temperatures experienced during hypersonic flight. This groundbreaking innovation will guarantee the safety and structural integrity of the Stargazer Spaceplane, even at unprecedented speeds.

Lastly, the Stargazer boasts a unique wave-rider design, enabling it to utilize a boost-glide mode at hypersonic velocities. This aircraft will maximize efficiency and speed by riding its shockwaves, pushing the boundaries of what is currently conceivable.

While the Stargazer Spaceplane remains in the prototype stage, it is projected to enter service in the 2030s. However, it is not the only player in the race for hypersonic travel. Its competitor, Destinus, is also striving to create planes that will travel at Mach 5. With the development of the Destinus S, a hypersonic airplane promising to transport passengers from London to New York in just 90 minutes, the future of travel will be faster than ever.