spaceplane

ESA spaceplane launch gets green light

Posted in Science on 17th Jan, 2015
by Alex Muller

The European Space Agency (ESA) has given the green light for the launch of its unmanned spaceplane, Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle (IXV).

From runway to orbit and back

Posted in Hardware on 5th Jan, 2015
by Alex Muller

A spaceplane, a craft that can take off from a runway like an aeroplane, fly up into orbit to deliver a payload, and then glide back to Earth for a runway landing. Nothing has ever come of them. Even so, the dream persists.

Northrop Grumman gives a look at its Experimental Spaceplane

Posted in Hardware on 26th Aug, 2014
by Alex Muller

Northrop Grumman, in partnership with Scaled Composites and Virgin Galactic, has unveiled the preliminary design it is developing as part of DARPAs XS-1 Spaceplane project.

ESA prepares IXV concept spaceplane for maiden flight

Posted in Science on 20th Jul, 2014
by Alex Muller

The European Space Agency is preparing to test the atmospheric re-entry capabilities of its new early concept spaceplane.

DARPA announces Phase 1 of its XS-1 spaceplane program

Posted in Science on 18th Jul, 2014
by Alex Muller

It takes a lot more money and preparation to launch a rocket than to have a plane take off.