Reaction Engines logo

Reaction Engines

Air-breathing rocket engines

PropulsionUnited KingdomSeries B

Entered insolvency in October 2024 after 35 years of engine development. Reaction Engines operated in the propulsion sector of the space industry, was headquartered in United Kingdom, was founded in 1989, raised $161.7M (Series B).

Reaction Engines at a glance

StatusShut down Entered insolvency in October 2024 after 35 years of engine development.
SectorPropulsion
HeadquartersUnited Kingdom
Founded1989
StageSeries B
Disclosed funding$161.7M
Team size51-200

Mission

Our goal is to deliver a truly versatile propulsion system - a hybrid air-breathing rocket engine that can power an aircraft from a standing start to over five times the speed of sound for hypersonic flight in the atmosphere, and over 25 times the speed of sound for space access. With its wide range of operation and scalability, the Synergetic Air-Breathing Rocket Engine (SABRE™) represents a defining moment in powered flight.

Team

  • Founder: Alan Bond

Timeline & projects

  • 1989: Founded

More propulsion startups

Accion Systems

Satellite propulsion

Propulsion · United States · est. 2014 · Series AAdditive Rocket Corporation

3D printing rocket engines

Propulsion · United Kingdom · est. 2015 · SeedApplied Ion Systems LLC

Low cost electric propulsion systems

Propulsion · United States · est. 2019Enpulsion

Advanced propulsion systems for small sats

Propulsion · Austria · est. 2016 · Seed

Follow startups like Reaction Engines

Founder interviews and the most promising space startups, straight to your inbox. Free, no spam, unsubscribe anytime.