About
Mission Ready Hypersonics – Tactical Power, Interplanetary Access
Space Engine Systems: Pioneering Hypersonic & Spaceplane Innovation
Founded in 2011, Space Engine Systems (SES) is a global aerospace company specialising in advanced hypersonic propulsion and reusable spaceplane technology. Headquartered in Edmonton, Canada, SES has expanded its footprint to the United Kingdom and the United States, positioning itself as a leader in next-generation aerospace and defence innovation.
SES Expands to the UK – A Hub for Hypersonic & Space Technologies
In 2021, SES established Space Engine Systems Limited (SES UK), a wholly owned subsidiary with operations based at Spaceport Cornwall. The UK’s growing investment in space infrastructure, sovereign launch capability, and high-speed aerospace platforms made it the ideal location for SES’s European expansion.
SES UK is developing dual-use hypersonic and space technologies for both defence and commercial space access. Cornwall’s strategic location, aerospace ecosystem, and access to European markets enable SES to integrate directly into the UK’s sovereign defence initiatives and rapidly growing commercial space sector.
With an emphasis on high-speed, reusable, and cost-effective spaceflight, SES UK is at the forefront of delivering hypersonic solutions for national security while opening new commercial pathways for space launch customers.
Strengthening the UK’s Hypersonic & Space Access Capabilities
SES UK is working closely with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), aligning its expertise in hypersonic propulsion and spaceplane development with national security objectives. The company is a participant in the UK’s £1 billion Hypersonic Technologies and Capability Development Framework (HTCDF)—a government-led effort to advance next-generation high-speed aerospace systems.
This recognition underscores SES’s ability to deliver cutting-edge propulsion, ISR, and space launch solutions for both the UK and allied nations.
Key Platforms – Reusable Hypersonic Systems for Defence & Space
SES UK is developing two core platforms, powered by its ground-proven, pre-cooled after-burning turbo-ramjet, set for airworthiness certification in 2025. These platforms are designed to deliver cost-effective, high-frequency access to space and tactical hypersonic capabilities for both commercial and defence applications.
HELLO Series – Unlocking the Infinite
The HELLO Series spaceplanes provide scalable, reusable spaceflight, utilising horizontal takeoff and landing (HTHL) to eliminate the costs associated with vertical rocket launches and expendable boosters. This air-breathing approach enables flexible, rapid deployment of satellites, cargo, and scientific payloads.
HELLO-1 is a Mach 5+ spaceplane designed for small satellite deployment, suborbital research, and point-to-point hypersonic transport. Launching from Spaceport Cornwall, it offers affordable, flexible, and reusable access to orbit for both commercial and defence customers.
HELLO-2 expands these capabilities, featuring a larger payload capacity, second-stage deployment, and multi-orbit reach. It can transport higher-mass payloads to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Geosynchronous Equatorial Orbit (GEO), and even the lunar surface. Supporting government and private-sector missions, HELLO-2 is positioned for deep-space logistics, satellite deployment, and interplanetary transport.
HyperDrone – Hypersonic Autonomy, Tactical Dominance
HyperDrone is a high-speed, reusable ISR and strike platform designed to provide sovereign hypersonic capabilities for UK and allied forces. Capable of persistent surveillance, electronic warfare (EW), and rapid precision strikes, it enhances defence readiness and air superiority in contested environments.
Beyond military operations, HyperDrone delivers hyper-priority cargo at unprecedented speeds, serving critical defence logistics, medical emergencies, and humanitarian aid efforts. Whether transporting high-value assets for military deployment, life-saving organs for transplant, or emergency relief supplies in disaster zones, its Mach 5+ speed ensures rapid global response when every second counts.
By integrating hypersonic ISR, strike capability, and ultra-fast delivery into a single platform, HyperDrone serves as a strategic force multiplier for defence, aerospace, and rapid-response logistics.
Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance
Controlled Goods Program (CGP)
Space Engine Systems Inc. is fully registered with Canada’s Controlled Goods Program (CGP), ensuring compliance with strict security protocols for sensitive aerospace technologies. All SES employees undergo comprehensive CGP training, and access to controlled equipment, materials, and documentation is strictly limited to authorized personnel. This commitment to regulatory oversight reinforces our dedication to secure, responsible innovation in hypersonic and space technologies.
ISO 9001 & AS9100D Certification
At Space Engine Systems, quality is mission-critical. Our ISO 9001 and AS9100D certifications reflect our commitment to precision, reliability, and continuous improvement in aerospace engineering. By maintaining a rigorous quality management system, SES ensures high-performance standards, repeatable excellence, and value-driven solutions for both internal operations and customer missions. These certifications underscore our ability to deliver cutting-edge hypersonic and space technologies with precision and reliability.
Strategic Partnerships & Future Growth
SES UK is actively forming partnerships with commercial, government, and defence organisations to expand its technological reach. A key collaboration includes its work with Meridian Space Command, focused on integrating SES’s expertise into the UK’s sovereign space launch and hypersonics framework.
Moving forward, SES plans to establish in-house manufacturing, ground testing, and operational flight capabilities at Spaceport Cornwall, reinforcing its long-term commitment to UK aerospace. By leveraging its trade-secret propulsion systems and high-frequency reusability, SES is positioned to become a leader in next-generation hypersonic and spaceflight technologies.
A Transformative Opportunity for Investors & Industry Leaders
SES UK is not just building aerospace platforms—it is reshaping the economics of hypersonic and spaceflight technology.
✔ A First-Mover Advantage in the UK’s Emerging Hypersonic & Space Market
✔ A Dual-Use Business Model Serving Both Commercial & Defence Sectors
✔ A Scalable, Cost-Effective Solution for Rapid Space Access & Hypersonic Applications
✔ Backed by UK Government Defence & Space Initiatives
As SES prepares for its first HyperDrone and HELLO-1 flight tests in 2026, its impact on the UK’s defence readiness and commercial space industry is rapidly growing. With its cutting-edge propulsion technology, government-backed development, and increasing commercial interest, SES UK presents a high-value investment opportunity at the forefront of hypersonic innovation and orbital transport.
The Future of UK Hypersonics & Spaceflight Starts Here
SES UK is actively shaping the UK’s role in global aerospace leadership, offering sovereign hypersonic defence capability, scalable commercial launch services, and strategic access to the Moon and beyond.