The European Space Agency has shortlisted Spaceport Cornwall and Machrihanish in the UK as test sites for Invictus, a research program developing a European hypersonic flying testbed.
The €7 million (US$8 million) Invictus program, which was launched in July 2025, aims to build and fly a Mach 5-capable aircraft at the edge of space by early 2031. The program will validate technologies for use in future reusable hypersonic-capable spaceplanes, including a hydrogen-fueled precooled air-breathing propulsion system, thermal protection, and guidance systems.
The Invictus vehicle will be upgradable, allowing for the exchange of materials, software and propulsion systems between flight test campaigns.
Machrihanish in Scotland is a former RAF airbase that hosts engine testing and related acitivities. Spaceport Cornwall is the UK’s first licensed horizontal launch spaceport and is designed to support small satellite launches, as well as provide facilities for aerospace testing.
Dietmar Pilz, European Space Agency’s (ESA’s) director of technology said, “Invictus has all the potential to become a cornerstone for Europe’s future in space access. By successfully demonstrating reusable horizontal launch technologies, this program ensures Europe remains competitive and strengthens collaboration across member states.”
Tony Forsythe, head of space technology at the UK Space Agency, said: “By pioneering reusable spaceplane technologies and hypersonic flight capabilities, we’re potentially not only opening new frontiers for space access but also creating high-value jobs, driving regional growth, and developing skills that will benefit the UK for generations to come.”
UK-based Frazer-Nash Consultancy is the prime contractor and systems integrator for Invictus and has been supporting the ESA in its visits to and assessments of possible Invictus launch sites in the UK.
INVICTUS is funded through ESA’s General Support Technology Programme (GSTP) and Technology Development Element (TDE).
