THE SKYLON SPACEPLANE
Space Access: SKYLON is an unpiloted, reusable spaceplane intended to provide reliable, responsive and cost effective access to space. Currently in proof-of-concept phase, the vehicle will be capable of transporting 12+ tonnes of cargo into space. It is the use of SABRE's combined air-breathing and rocket cycles that enables a vehicle that can take off from a runway, fly direct to earth orbit and return for a runway landing, just like an aircraft.
SKYLON will provide aircraft-like access to space to enable:
■Operation from runway to orbit and back
■100 x cost reduction vs. existing technology
■400 x improved reliability
■Responsive access to space
The European Space Agency assessment concluded that:
"...the SKYLON vehicle can be realised given today's current technology and successful engine development."
European Space Agency Report, 2011
Because SKYLON is reusable (unlike current single-use space launchers) it can be purchased by companies and nations that want space access in a manner similar to current civil aircraft. As with aircraft, purchasing a vehicle will provide a much more cost effective option than trying to develop an independent launcher system.