Portugal Conducts First Hypersonic Test at ESTHER Facility, Achieving Mach 25 Flow
Portugal has successfully conducted its first hypersonic test at the ESTHER facility, achieving Mach 25 flow speeds, or approximately 8 kilometers per second, in November 2025. This groundbreaking research, led by the Institute of Plasmas and Nuclear Fusion, aims to investigate high-speed atmospheric re-entry conditions and enhance European capabilities in hypersonics. Future efforts will focus on increasing operational speeds and validating materials under hypervelocity flows to support ESA mission planning.
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Portugal has conducted its first hypersonic test at the European Shock Tube for High Enthalpy Research (ESTHER), achieving flow speeds of approximately 8 kilometers per second, or Mach 25, at the Instituto Superior Técnico (IST) in Loures in November 2025. This test produced extreme gas temperatures and pressures exceeding those at the Sun's surface, resulting in a visible shock wave.
The research, led by the Institute of Plasmas and Nuclear Fusion (IPFN), aims to explore high-speed atmospheric re-entry conditions relevant to rocket and spacecraft operations. The ESTHER facility, developed over 15 years with support from the European Space Agency (ESA), allows for safe, remote operation under real conditions. Future plans include increasing operational speeds and validating materials under hypervelocity flows, contributing to European capabilities in hypersonics and supporting ESA mission planning.
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