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Dassault Aviation Starts Vortex Spaceplane Construction for 2028 Flight

3/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Dassault Aviation has begun constructing parts for the Vortex spaceplane demonstrator, aiming for a first flight in 2028.
The Vortex-D demonstrator measures about 4 meters long.
It weighs about 1 metric ton and will undergo plasma torch testing in Italy to evaluate heat shield technologies.
France backs the project with a €70 million investment, and Rocket Lab will launch Vortex on an Electron rocket.

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Story summary

Dassault Aviation has begun constructing parts for the Vortex spaceplane demonstrator, aiming for a first flight in 2028.
The Vortex-D demonstrator measures about 4 meters long.
It weighs about 1 metric ton and will undergo plasma torch testing in Italy to evaluate heat shield technologies.
France backs the project with a €70 million investment, and Rocket Lab will launch Vortex on an Electron rocket.