VEGA hypersonic platform
A two-stage, fully reusable spaceplane that takes off horizontally, planned as a hypersonic test bed for Germany's defense procurement office. With an expendable upper stage it could also launch small satellites.
Why it matters
A test vehicle that flies again and again lets researchers repeat hypersonic experiments without building new hardware each time. POLARIS says VEGA could also launch small satellites with an expendable upper stage.
How the technology works
VEGA is a two-stage vehicle in which both stages are designed to be reused, and it takes off horizontally like an aircraft. POLARIS says the BAAINBw contract covers the design, with follow-on options to manufacture and flight-test the full-size system.
The contract value was not disclosed.
Sources
Updated Oct 22, 2026 · How we source facts · Suggest a correction