The UK company 'Reaction Engines' have begun ground tests to demonstrate the viability of critical hardware associated with the engine configuration of the Skylon single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) launcher (see concept impressions of the Skylon vehicle in the picture gallery). The Skylon engine, christened SABRE, is one of the critical elements of the launcher system, and the current tests are focused on showing feasibility of the pre-cooler component of the engine which allows it to use atmospheric oxygen in the early part of the ascent. This mass saving, in not having to carry the oxidiser for this flight phase, is vital in achieving the SSTO capability. Once the vehicle is above the denser part of the atmosphere, the SABRE engines transition to normal rocket-powered operation.
I wish the Reaction Engines outfit every success in this new phase of proving the Skylon concept. The company CEO, Alan Bond, has been the main driving influence over decades in attempting to carry the vision of reducing the cost of access to orbit by innovative SSTO proposals. After exhibiting such tenacity over many years, Alan deserves a big measure of success with the Skylon enterprise!
Afterall, reducing the cost of access to orbit though the use of SSTO vehicles is the only thing that will truely open the 'new frontier' to scientific and commercial exploitation.
I wish the Reaction Engines outfit every success in this new phase of proving the Skylon concept. The company CEO, Alan Bond, has been the main driving influence over decades in attempting to carry the vision of reducing the cost of access to orbit by innovative SSTO proposals. After exhibiting such tenacity over many years, Alan deserves a big measure of success with the Skylon enterprise!
Afterall, reducing the cost of access to orbit though the use of SSTO vehicles is the only thing that will truely open the 'new frontier' to scientific and commercial exploitation.
RSS Feed
