POLARIS builds reusable spaceplane and hypersonic vehicles that launch and land from conventional runways using linear aerospike rocket engines. The platform delivers up to 1 t to low‑Earth orbit or up to 10 t on sub‑orbital/hypersonic trajectories, with <24 h turnaround and hundreds of flight cycles, reducing launch infrastructure and per‑mission cost. It serves satellite launch providers, defense agencies, research institutions, and high‑speed cargo operators.
Funding
$6.1M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
CSVFounders
Product
Problem
Access to space and hypersonic flight currently relies on vertically launched rockets and dedicated launch pads, which are expensive, have limited reuse, and constrain operational flexibility for both commercial and defense missions.
Solution
POLARIS develops reusable spaceplanes and hypersonic platforms that operate like conventional aircraft, taking off and landing from standard runways. By integrating linear aerospike rocket engines with aircraft‑grade flight control systems, the vehicles achieve horizontal launch, rapid turnaround (< 24 h), and high reusability for hundreds of missions. The architecture supports a wide payload envelope—from 1 t to low‑Earth orbit to 10 t for sub‑orbital/hypersonic trajectories—while using eco‑friendly SAF/LOX propellants and offering abort capability for enhanced safety. Modular options such as aerial refueling and tactical payload bays extend the platform’s utility across satellite launch, research, defense, and high‑speed cargo transport markets.
Target Audience
Satellite launch service providers, defense agencies, and research institutions seeking cost‑effective, reusable access to orbit or hypersonic flight, as well as logistics operators requiring ultra‑high‑speed cargo transport.
Features
- Horizontal runway take‑off and landing, eliminating the need for dedicated launch infrastructure.
- Linear aerospike rocket engine delivering high specific impulse with a compact thrust profile.
- Reusable airframe designed for up to several hundred flight cycles, reducing per‑mission cost.
- Payload flexibility: up to 1 000 kg to orbit, up to 10 000 kg for sub‑orbital/hypersonic missions.
- <24 h mission preparation and turnaround enabled by rapid refueling and minimal ground support.
- Integrated mission‑abort system and full vehicle recovery for crewed or uncrewed flights.
- Modular tanker and aerial refueling capability to extend range and endurance.
- Advanced flight‑control architecture supporting negative stability modes for high‑Mach performance.