French Aerospace Giant Embarks on New Space Ambitions with VORTEX Program

Dassault Aviation has signed an agreement to develop a spaceplane demonstrator as part of its VORTEX program. The demonstrator aims to validate critical performances associated with spaceplane configuration, including hypersonic flight and thermal protection. The program is part of Dassault Aviation’s efforts to contribute to national aeronautical sovereignty and meet the challenges of the space economy. This initiative was announced at the Paris Air Show by Minister of the French Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu and Dassault Aviation CEO Eric Trappier. The company has built expertise in designing and producing complex airborne systems, and this program will leverage that expertise to develop a spaceplane capable of transporting people and cargo to and from orbit.