Apera

At Apera, our high performance culture is all pushing boundaries in and out of work. We believe in sharing atypical experiences that challenge the norm. Stepping outside our comfort zones. We enjoyed another awesome day at The Farm Club, that featured a combination of fitness (Hyrox) and wellbeing activities (sound baths, breathwork, cold water therapy). Because wellbeing isn’t one-dimensional. It’s about moments that move us Emotionally Physically Socially. It's the perfect embodiment of the sustainable, high-performance culture that #TheCode outlines. Push limits. Unplug. Reconnect. Recharge. Come back even stronger. #UnlockingHumanPotential

Leading by example. #UnlockingHumanPotential

As Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost orbits the moon for a 3rd and final time in advance of landing in 3 days, it's got us thinking. 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗹𝘂𝗻𝗮𝗿 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗮 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗲𝗿𝗮 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. Yes 50 years have passed since mankind first set foot on the moon, but progress is massive. The renewed focus on Moon missions is driven by the need to test technologies and gain resources for deeper space exploration, especially Mars. The Moon also offers scientific opportunities, and with growing commercial and international interest, it’s seen as a key step for building a sustainable space presence. Intuitive Machines’ Odysseus lander made history with the first private Moon landing in Feb 2024, followed by the Athena mission earlier this month, which aims to establish a 4G network on the Moon. This first-of-its-kind lunar network is more than just a communication upgrade, it represents a major leap future space missions. The ability to send and receive data in real-time will enhance robotic exploration, research, and eventually human settlement on the Moon. Meanwhile, Firefly's Blue Ghost Mission 1 forms part of NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative, carrying 10 NASA instruments designed to advance our understanding of the Moon and support future human missions. 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗹𝘂𝗻𝗮𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗽𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱. Next step is NASA's Artemis III, currently planned for 2027, which will mark humanity’s first return to the lunar surface in more than 50 years. The gap is crazy, but the progress of humanity, and difference in purpose is even more significant. Apollo 11’s purpose was to showcase US dominance through a one-time lunar landing, focused on short-term scientific goals and political achievement. In contrast, Artemis III aims to establish a sustainable lunar presence, advancing long-term scientific exploration, international collaboration, and preparation for future missions to Mars. We're particularly excited to see the Axiom Space x Prada Group spacesuit in action. #UnlockingHumanPotential

At Apera we truly live & breath the technologies we support. One topic that comes up in Space regularly is the question of... 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲-𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝘁 𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁 𝘃𝘀. 𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘀. Ultimately, purpose-built spacecraft outperform legacy designs (in terms of efficiency, capability and mission success) by offering superior manoeuvrability, advanced tracking, and reduced development costs. Traditional satellites require extensive modifications to adapt to new missions, whereas modular, software-defined architectures enable rapid iteration, autonomous operations, and enhanced survivability. As space demands evolve, next-generation spacecraft set new benchmarks in agility, efficiency, and operational superiority, ensuring mission success across different domains, whether defence, commercial or scientific.   𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗲 𝗔𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗹𝘆 - 𝘀𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗱.   We're proud to be supporting a leader in the space security field, True Anomaly. One of the hottest SpaceTech companies out there, they are committed to pushing the boundaries of space superiority. Unlike conventional satellite platforms that require extensive reengineering to adapt to new mission profiles, Jackal’s modular and software-defined architecture enables rapid, iterative enhancements with minimal turnaround time. True Anomaly are leading the way when it comes to cutting-edge, mission-adaptive space capabilities for the U.S. Department of Defence and the U.S. Space Force. By leveraging a fundamentally superior spacecraft architecture, Jackal achieves unprecedented performance, cost efficiency, and operational agility, positioning it as the definitive solution for modern space superiority challenges. Contact Sarah Longshaw to find out more. #UnlockingHumanPotential

Championship Mindset in action. #UnlockingHumanPotential

𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗲𝘁. The Apera culture comprises of 5x internal and 5x external values that determine both how we behave internally and our unwavering commitment to delivering the best service in the world. The first of our 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲𝘀 is championship mindset. So what does this mean to us? This is about approaching every aspect of life and work with a relentless pursuit of excellence. It's all about thinking like a winner and never settling for mediocrity. The goal is to dominate. 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝘄𝗶𝗻. We don’t show up just to compete, we aim to lead and redefine what’s possible. Success isn’t an accident, it’s a choice. Being the best isn’t just a goal, it’s an expectation. 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 'How you do anything is how you do everything'. We show up with intensity, discipline, and focus, whether in small tasks or big moments. Ownership and high standards define their actions because lasting success comes from consistent effort, not occasional brilliance. 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 We embrace discomfort, push past limits, and seek challenges. Every day is an opportunity to improve, refine skills, and sharpen competitive edge. Progress isn’t optional, it’s the priority. 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 & 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 Owning both successes and failures is the foundation of a championship mindset. No excuses, just lessons, adjustments, and action. Every challenge is a chance to rise, and every setback allows for an even greater comeback. 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 We don’t rise alone. It's all about inspiring, challenging, and leading by example, creating a culture of excellence. By holding ourselves accountable, we set the highest standard, pushing those around us to reach new heights. A championship mindset isn’t just about winning. It’s about becoming the kind of person who never stops striving for more. #UnlockingHumanPotential

𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗮𝗺𝗲, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗛𝘆𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝗳𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿, 𝗳𝗹𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 +𝟯𝘅 𝗳𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿. NY - LDN in under an hour. Sub 2hr global flight. 2,000°F heat at 100,000+ feet. Companies like Hermeus, Destinus and Venus Aerospace are developing Mach 5+ technologies. Hermeus’ Chimera engine, combining turbine and ramjet propulsion, could make hypersonic commercial flights viable. China reportedly have a number of interesting projects including the Nanqiang No. 1 Mach 6 passenger jet and the mental Mach 4 VTOL Lingkong Tianxing Yunxing. The race is on. 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝘀𝘂𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗼 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁? Beyond speed, hypersonic aircraft have major strategic and environmental implications. Use cases include: - 𝗠𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 - in today's society, time is a hugely valuable currency. 2hr global travel could become a reality, boosting global tourism and trade. - 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲-𝘀𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗲𝗱 -organs, medicine, and disaster relief delivered in hours, not days. - 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 - hypersonic jets move troops and supplies faster than ever. - 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 - hypersonic tech paves the way for spaceplanes and orbital travel. - 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 - Environmental - flying higher to reduce aerial congestion, also many hypersonic designs use hydrogen fuel, producing zero CO₂ emissions. 𝗜𝗳 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗳𝘂𝗹, 𝗵𝘆𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱. Arguably, supersonic aircraft are about a decade closer than hypersonic aircraft to a commercial reality, and for these aircraft to become a reality there remain key challenges in materials science, propulsion, and aerodynamics, but it is precisely this that makes this space so fascinating from a technical standpoint. For example, traditional jet engines can’t function at hypersonic speeds. Scramjets (Supersonic Combustion Ramjets) offer a solution by compressing incoming air without moving parts, but they require speeds of Mach 4+ to ignite. Hybrid turbojet-scramjet engines are being developed to handle all speed ranges. Mind-blowing tech. #UnlockingHumanPotential

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗲𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗽𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺. Concorde was never the commercial success its creators had hoped. Environmental and operational limitations hampered its commercial appeal among airline customers. Since Concorde's retirement in 2003, advancements in technology and changing socio-political dynamics have created a very different landscape. So what's changed? What are the key areas that will hopefully pave the way for the success of a new generation of supersonic commercial aircraft such as the Boom Supersonic Overture? 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆: Modern propulsion systems are far more fuel-efficient, and the rise of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) addresses the environmental concerns that plagued Concorde. Noise reduction technologies & programmes such as NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s X-59 QueSST, are tackling the problem of disruptive sonic booms (by spreading out the supersonic shockwaves in a way that prevents the typically loud sonic booms heard on the ground) whilst lightweight composite structures and sophisticated aerodynamic designs improve efficiency. Boom for example are able to achieve Mach 1.7 without the loud afterburners Concorde required (*disclaimer below). 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆: Evolving regulatory frameworks by authorities like the Federal Aviation Administration and EASA - European Union Aviation Safety Agency are reconsidering restrictions on supersonic flight over land, driven by advances in noise reduction. Governments and international organizations are also supporting greener aerospace initiatives, encouraging the adoption of SAFs and other sustainable technologies. 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗼𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰: Demand for faster, more efficient global travel is rising, particularly in luxury and business markets. Public-private partnerships between companies like Boom, NASA, and the U.S. Air Force are accelerating development efforts. Together with advances in automation, safety systems, and propulsion technology, these factors suggest a more sustainable and commercially viable future for high-speed air travel. 𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟵, 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲. *Disclaimer / nerd zone: Concorde only required afterburners at takeoff and transonic speeds. It could actually supercruise at Mach 2 without afterburners. This was revolutionary, enabling sustained supersonic flight with greater fuel efficiency compared to contemporary military jets. This was made possible by advanced engine design, variable intake systems, and an aerodynamic profile that balanced speed, efficiency, and thermal management. #UnlockingHumanPotential

The Recent Boom Supersonic XB-1 triumph got us thinking... 𝗪𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗲𝗱. Time is finite and irreplaceable. Time only moves forward. 𝗜𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆, 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀. With all the focus on sustainability and electrification, the future mobility ecosystem is not a ‘one size fits all’ thing. Certain transport applications forefront speed. Which is OK for us. Historically speed the quest for speed has created many of our favourite engineered products over the years. So we’re going to do a little series on speed. Starting in the air. Whilst the Mach 2 #Concorde was ridiculously ahead of the curve and was frankly astounding for something that first flew in 1969. Noise, high maintenance costs and wider socio-economic challenges meant that the aircraft never achieved the commercial success it deserved. Fast forward today and we see a range of disruptors poised to shape the future of aerial mobility: - 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰 aircraft (eg: Boom's Mach 1.7 - LDN - NY in 3.5hrs) - 𝗛𝘆𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰 aircraft (eg: Hermeus, Venus Aerospace - 3,800+MPH - NY to Tokyo sub 2hrs) - 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗯𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁 (eg: SpaceX Starship - global travel in under 1hr) ...even platforms that simply achieve increased speed through radical efficiency-driving innovations. Otto Aviation's transonic super-laminar (TSL) Celera 800 can achieve twice the efficiency and 30-50% higher speed than comparable aircraft through laminar flow. There will always be a use case for the ability to transport people and goods as quickly as possible and it’s awesome to see this range of products which serve different purposes in the future ecosystem. #UnlockingHumanPotential

𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲. 𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗱. In today’s world the value of time is more important than ever. On January 28, 2025, Boom Supersonic's XB-1 prototype successfully broke the sound barrier, reaching speeds of Mach 1.1 (845 mph) over the Mojave Desert at over 35k ft. It's first time a privately funded, independently developed civil jet has exceeded the speed of sound since the retirement of #Concorde 20 years ago. The milestone is an important step in Boom’s efforts to develop its commercial airliner, the #Overture, which aims to carry 64-80 passengers at Mach 1.7. We believe in a future where different aircraft types serve different purposes in the mobility ecosystem. Supersonics. Hypersonics. Bring it on. LDN - NY in 𝟯.𝟱𝗵𝗿𝘀. Crazy. #UnlockingHumanPotential