Looking ahead, Venus envisions hypersonic aircraft capable of traveling from San Francisco to Tokyo in two hours and developing engines for deep space missions, capitalizing on RDRE's efficiency.

Melroy emphasized that propulsion breakthroughs like RDRE will influence global space competition, helping the U.S. maintain technological leadership and stimulate economic growth through innovation.

The RDRE operates by sending a detonation wave around a circular combustion channel, providing high-pressure bursts that enhance performance, despite historical stability challenges.

Venus Aerospace has successfully demonstrated its rotating detonation rocket engine (RDRE), a technology with roots dating back to the 1950s that now shows real flight viability, offering significant improvements in thrust and efficiency.

This breakthrough was achieved through advances in 3D metal printing, ultra-high-speed camera analysis, and other undisclosed innovations, enabling rapid testing and development.

The RDRE provides up to a 15% increase in efficiency over traditional engines, potentially quadrupling payload capacity and revolutionizing launch capabilities.

Venus is focused on protecting its proprietary propulsion technology and sees Melroy's expertise as crucial for scaling operations and maintaining a competitive edge in the global space race against the US and China.

To support its rapid expansion, Venus has recruited Pam Melroy, a former NASA Deputy Administrator and astronaut, whose extensive experience from NASA, the Air Force, DARPA, and FAA will help advance the company's revolutionary engine tech.

Pam Melroy expressed enthusiasm for RDRE, highlighting its potential to unlock new capabilities for lunar, Mars, and deep-space missions, especially since it doesn't require cryogenic fuels or large engine bells.

Venus aims to leverage RDRE for deep space and planetary missions, citing its suitability for landing on planetary bodies and reducing fuel boil-off risks.

The company plans to integrate RDRE technology into defense, civil, and commercial aerospace markets, including high-speed global travel, orbital transfer vehicles, and lunar/Mars landers.

Compared to SpaceX's cryogenic Starship, RDREs do not require cryogenic fuels or large engine bells, making them more suitable for lunar and Mars missions.