Dawn Aerospace

Dawn Aerospace builds scalable, sustainable space transportation infrastructure, combining rapidly reusable spaceplanes with non-toxic, refuelable satellite propulsion systems to create a space transportation network with the frequency and reliability of aviation. The company operates two core product lines. The Aurora Spaceplane is an unmanned rocket-powered aircraft providing routine, affordable access to suborbital space with aircraft-like simplicity, capable of flying to altitudes over 100 km, speeds over Mach 3.7, carrying payloads of up to 10 kg, with a 4-hour turnaround time for twice-daily flights. The In-Space Propulsion division produces nitrous-based chemical propulsion systems—the fastest-growing chemical propulsion type globally—with 170+ thrusters on 40+ satellites in orbit, serving CubeSats to multi-ton class satellites across LEO, MEO, GEO, and Lunar orbits, with in-orbit refueling planned from 2028 through the Loop refueling network. Dawn differentiates itself through non-toxic propellants, aircraft-like operations, and turn-key propulsion systems. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Christchurch, New Zealand, Dawn Aerospace has raised approximately $47.3 million in a Series B round backed by Europa, Tuhua Ventures, Aera VC, Innovation Quarter, EIC Fund, Movac, Icehouse Ventures, Global From Day One, ESA, Eden Ventures, and First Cut Ventures.