Reaction Engines has just gained approval from the European Space Agency (ESA) for their Skylon space plane. The Skylon space plane is an unmanned craft that runs off of a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen.
The use of hydrogen and oxygen to create thrust means that the Skylon space plane will be less of a burden on the environment and a whole lot cheaper to launch. How much cheaper? Try fifteen times cheaper than today's rocket ships. The plane has a complicated SABRE engine that can actually grab oxygen from the air to use as fuel. With the ESA's approval, Reaction Engines is planning to build a prototype engine for testing purposes.
A development like this could help boost the young and struggling space tourism industry. The Skylon space plane is definitely something you'll want to keep an eye on in the coming years.
Eco-Friendly Spaceships
The Skylon Space Plane is Powered by Hydrogen and Oxygen
Trend Themes
1. Hydrogen-powered Spaceships - The use of hydrogen as a fuel source for spaceships presents an opportunity for sustainable space travel.
2. Cost-effective Rocket Launches - The Skylon space plane could disrupt the space industry by providing a cheaper alternative to traditional rocket launches.
3. Air-breathing Rocket Engines - The SABRE engine's ability to grab oxygen from the air could revolutionize rocket engine technology and lead to more efficient space travel.
Industry Implications
1. Space Tourism - Hydrogen-powered spaceships like the Skylon could make space tourism more environmentally sustainable and cost-effective.
2. Space Transportation - Cost-effective rocket launches using the Skylon space plane could disrupt the traditional rocket launch industry.
3. Rocket Engine Manufacturing - The development of air-breathing rocket engines like SABRE presents an opportunity for rocket engine manufacturers to innovate and improve upon current technology.