In this episode of the Space Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by Matt Hill, chief executive officer of Hypersonix Launch Systems, during the Australian Space Summit & Exhibition 2026 in Sydney.

Hill discusses the company’s landmark DART AE launch in February, the lessons learnt from real-world hypersonic flight testing, and how Hypersonix is positioning itself at the forefront of next-generation aerospace technology.

He also explores the challenges of operating at Mach 5 and beyond, the role of Australia’s growing space sector, and the opportunities emerging across defence and commercial markets.

The discussion examines Hypersonix’s long-term roadmap, from its DART testbed platform to the larger VISOR and Delta Velos vehicles, while highlighting how decades of Australian research are helping to unlock new frontiers in hypersonic flight and novel pathways to space.

The podcast conversation includes the following topics:

• Managing thermal challenges, telemetry and subsystem integration during flight at Mach 5 and above.
• Defence, commercial and dual-use applications for hypersonic technology and reusable testbed platforms.
• Australia’s position in the global hypersonic race and why the West has prioritised testing in recent years.
• Commercial funding, government support and creating sustainable revenue streams through hypersonic test services.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Space Connect team

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