UK hypersonic firm Reaction Engines enters administration, halting 'Son of Concorde' project

A British hypersonic aviation firm, Reaction Engines, has entered administration, ending hopes for its 4,000 mph "Son of Concorde" project. The company failed to secure a £20 million funding lifeline, leading to the loss of 173 jobs out of 208. Reaction Engines had been developing the Sabre engine, which combines jet and rocket technology. Despite previous successful tests, the company could not raise necessary funds, prompting administrators to step in. While Reaction's plans have collapsed, other companies like Boom Technology are still pursuing supersonic travel. Boom's Overture aims to fly at Mach 1.7, with test flights ongoing and a potential launch by 2029.