International hyperloop company Swisspod Technologies has broken records since company leaders announced its expansion into Colorado Springs at the 40th Space Symposium event in April. The company, headquartered in Switzerland, develops hyperloop systems: ultra-high-speed passenger and cargo grou nd transportation systems. On Nov. 21, Swisspod performed a test of the Aerys 1, its first hyperloop capsule model, on its now-1,700-foot-long hyperloop test track at the Pueblo Plex campus in Pueblo. The largest hyperloop test track in the world, the closed-loop system will span 1 mile around and cover 43 acres of land when it is completed, estimated in 2028, officials said. The capsule model hit a world record speed of 65 mph during the test. Swisspod designs, builds and assembles prototype capsules, like the Aerys 1, in Colorado Springs. The company has established a research and development manufacturing and assembly workspace off Sinton Road, south of Garden of the Gods Road and east of Interstate 25, Madalina Stoicescu, Swisspod’s chief operating officer and head of marketing, said by email. “This was an unforgettable moment for the Swisspod team,” Stoicescu said of the Nov. 21 test. “The scale and intensity of the effort, from designing and building our first hyperloop capsule, to constructing the world’s largest hyperloop infrastructure, were enormous. Watching the capsule break speed records was one of the most epic moments of our journey so far. It was the kind of moment when you realize you’re part of something meaningful. Something historic. “It’s a critical step toward high-speed, sustainable, and energy-efficient transportation that can connect and empower people around the world like never before — linking cities, creating jobs and driving economic growth. This test shows hyperloop is becoming real. And it positions Colorado and the United States at the forefront of next-generation mobility innovation.” Swisspod estimated its expansion into Colorado Springs will create 107 jobs with an average yearly salary of just under $68,000. Positions include roles in engineering and design, production, marketing, operations and administrative support. Stoicescu said Swisspod is growing its team in Colorado Springs, but did not share hiring numbers to date, saying the company would share more specifics with future hiring waves. Locally, the company is currently hiring for mechanical and electrical engineering roles, she said. In the near future, Swisspod will continue testing Aerys 1 and focus on completing its 1-mile hyperloop test track. ...read more read less