Space race

摘要

In the previous edition of The Log we looked at the proposed development of SKYLON,an unpiloted, reusable spaceplane intended to provide inexpensive and reliable access to space. Currently in proof-of-concept phase, the vehicle will take approximately 10 years to develop and will be capable of transporting 12 tonnes of cargo into space. It has been conceptualised since the early 1980s, perhaps better known in those days as HOTOL (horizontal take-off and landing) and under development by Alan Bond and his team at Reaction Engines Ltd since 1989.