Destinus has been awarded grants for two projects worth a total of €26.7 MM by the Spanish Government to expand H₂ propulsion capabilities. These grants were awarded as a part of Spain’s plan to make the country a world leader in producing renewable H₂ and developing H₂-based mobility solutions. The Spanish government invests heavily in developing H₂ propulsion as part of its economic resilience and transformation plan through strategic projects funded by the European Commission’s Next Generation funds.

A €12-MM grant will go toward demonstrating flights powered by H₂ as a part of a program by the Spanish Ministry of Science. The Center for Technological and Industrial Development, the body that oversees the Ministry’s program, has selected the project as a strategic initiative within its Aeronautical Technology Plan. Together with ITPAero, a Spanish engine manufacturer, H₂ engine testing facilities will be developed and H₂ combustion research will be showcased with the direct support and collaboration of INTA (Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial).

The remaining €14.7-MM grant will be used to demonstrate the feasibility of supersonic flight with H₂. It is noteworthy that while the intensity of the aid varies from company to company, Destinus received the highest aid due to its SME start-up character.

The participation in these two programs enables Destinus to continue working toward becoming a major player in the H₂ propulsion industry. The company is testing a gaseous H₂ post-combustion jet engine (afterburner) while working to advance other engine technologies using cryogenic fuels such as liquid H₂. These technologies will undergo extensive ground testing over the coming year and be integrated onboard the next supersonic prototype, Destinus-3, in 2024.