Reaction Engines
Air-breathing rocket engines
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
| Status | Shut downchecked August 2026Entered insolvency in October 2024 after 35 years of engine development. |
|---|---|
| Sector | Propulsion |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Founded | 1989 |
| Stage | Series B |
| Disclosed funding | $161.7M |
| Team size | 51-200 |
Record last updated August 2026 · how we verify · spotted something outdated? Tell us.
Timeline & funding
- June 2026Company
- June 2025Company
- October 2024Company
- 2023Funding
- October 2019Achievement
- November 2015Funding
- 1989CompanyFounded
Mission
Its SABRE hybrid engine was designed to power aircraft from a standing start to hypersonic flight and space access.
Reaction Engines' goal is to deliver a 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
- Alan Bond · Founder
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