Responsive air-launch system

HyperDart

A reusable hypersonic carrier architecture designed to deliver a compact orbital stage at high energy—reducing dependence on fixed launch infrastructure.

Explore the system
Artistic representation · reference mission concept
The integrated system

A mobile launch architecture built around a reusable first stage.

HyperDart is FAST's long-term architecture for responsive delivery of small payloads to low Earth orbit. It combines horizontal takeoff, air-breathing acceleration, high-altitude staging, and a compact rocket upper stage within a single mission system.

The carrier performs the atmospheric portion of the ascent and returns to a runway. The upper stage separates at a high-energy condition and completes orbital insertion. By moving the launch point into the air, the system is designed to reduce reliance on dedicated pads and fixed launch azimuths.

Artistic top view of the HyperDart reusable carrier in high-speed flight
HyperDart carrier · reference concept configuration
Payload targetUp to 500 kg to LEO
Staging targetMach 5-class release
ArchitectureReusable carrier + orbital stage
Ground operationsConventional-runway based

Reference design targets. Final configuration and performance remain subject to development and validation.

Vehicle architecture

Each stage is optimized for the environment where it works best.

The architecture avoids carrying a complete vertical-launch first stage through the atmosphere. Instead, an aircraft-like carrier uses the surrounding air for propulsion before handing the mission to a rocket stage above most of the atmosphere.

01
Reusable carrier

Runway operations and air-breathing acceleration

Turbine propulsion supports takeoff, climb, and initial acceleration. FAST's ramjet technology then enables the high-speed atmospheric segment required to approach the reference staging condition.

02
Orbital upper stage

Compact rocket propulsion for orbital insertion

After separation, the upper stage provides the remaining velocity for orbit. The reference architecture uses a compact cryogenic rocket stage sized around the small-payload mission rather than the full atmospheric ascent.

03
Integrated mission system

Guidance, staging, thermal control, and ground operations

Autonomous flight control, aerothermal design, stage separation, range coordination, and payload integration are treated as one system—not as isolated vehicle subsystems.

Reference mission

From runway departure to orbital delivery.

A representative sequence for the current system concept. Flight conditions, configuration, and operations will evolve through development.

  1. Artistic view of HyperDart beginning runway operations
    01

    Runway departure

    The integrated vehicle takes off using established airfield infrastructure.

  2. Artistic view of HyperDart climbing above the clouds
    02

    Climb and acceleration

    The carrier reaches the altitude and speed required for the air-breathing high-speed segment.

  3. Artistic view of the HyperDart carrier at high speed with the upper stage mounted
    03

    Ramjet-powered flight

    The carrier advances toward the Mach 5-class staging condition using FAST's high-speed propulsion architecture.

  4. Artistic view of upper-stage separation from HyperDart
    04

    High-energy staging

    The orbital stage separates above most of the atmosphere with substantial speed already provided.

  5. Artistic view of the HyperDart upper stage continuing toward orbit
    05

    Orbital insertion

    Rocket propulsion supplies the remaining velocity and deploys the payload into its target orbit.

  6. Artistic view of the HyperDart carrier returning after stage separation
    06

    Carrier return

    The reusable first stage returns for recovery, inspection, and future missions.

Artistic representations · conceptual sequence · not to scale

Operational value

Designed for missions where timing, autonomy, and launch location matter.

HyperDart targets the niche between conventional launch scheduling and the need for a mission-driven response. Its value is not only the vehicle's speed, but the ability to reposition the launch system, operate with lighter fixed infrastructure, and tailor the release point to the mission.

01

Reduced pad dependence

Runway-based operations are intended to limit reliance on a single dedicated launch complex and its availability.

02

Mission-driven release point

The carrier can reposition before staging, supporting greater flexibility in trajectory, range coordination, and weather avoidance.

03

Reusable atmospheric stage

Recovery of the carrier concentrates reusable hardware in the stage exposed to repeated atmospheric operations.

Relevant users
National space agencies Defense and security organizations Constellation operators Responsive launch partners
Artistic representation · illustrative operating concept
Development approach

The system is being developed from its enabling technologies outward.

HyperDart is the culmination of FAST's work in high-speed combustion, ramjet propulsion, aerodynamics, guidance and control, thermal management, and integrated flight systems.

Crossbow generates ground evidence for the propulsion system. StratoDart moves FAST's technology into relevant flight environments. HyperDart brings those capabilities together in a reusable carrier and orbital-delivery architecture.

Strategic collaboration

Discuss responsive space access.

FAST engages with institutional users, industrial partners, and strategic investors interested in sovereign, infrastructure-light access to low Earth orbit.

Contact FAST