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Venus Aerospace Wins Science Fair with Rocket Breakthrough

9/23/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Venus Aerospace won the 2025 Gizmodo Science Fair for its Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine (RDRE).
The Houston-based startup conducted its first test flight on May 14, 2025, reaching 4,400 feet at 383 mph.
Founders Sassie and Andrew Duggleby started the company in 2020; it has raised over $80 million to pursue commercial and defense work.

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Story summary

Venus Aerospace won the 2025 Gizmodo Science Fair for its Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine (RDRE).
The Houston-based startup conducted its first test flight on May 14, 2025, reaching 4,400 feet at 383 mph.
Founders Sassie and Andrew Duggleby started the company in 2020; it has raised over $80 million to pursue commercial and defense work.