Hostname: page-component-cb9f654ff-w5vf4 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2025-09-02T01:33:17.724Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

The Spacecab Demonstratorproject

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 July 2016

D. M. Ashford
D. M. Ashford*
Affiliation:
Bristol Spaceplanes Limited Bristol, UK
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

This paper describes a concept study of the SpacecabDemonstrator project, which is a small two seataeroplane capable of routine “zoom-climbs” to spacealtitude. It is powered by a jet engine and a rocketmotor. It would be the first sub-orbital spaceplanesince the X-15 of thirty years ago. The study showsthat Spacecab Demonstrator should be a simple robustdevelopment using existing technology. It would beused as a spaceplane technology testbed, as areusable sounding rocket for space research and forspecialised commercial applications. Moreimportantly, it would serve as a pathfinder for theSpacecab orbital spaceplane, which is designed to bethe first fully reusable launch vehicle. Spacecabuses existing engines and proven materials and isdesigned with provision for certification toairliner standards. Enlarged and mature developmentsof Spacecab would reduce the cost of sending peopleinto space by three orders of magnitude comparedwith the cost today, and this could probably beachieved in about 15 years.

Information

Type
Research Article
Information
The Aeronautical Journal , Volume 99 , Issue 986 , July 1995 , pp. 226 - 237
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 1995 

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

Article purchase

Temporarily unavailable

References

1. Ashford, D.M. Project Spacecab — a minimum cost orbital taxi, JBIS, January 1981. Presented at 17th European Space Symposium, London, June 1980.Google Scholar
2. Schleicher, R.L. Structural design of the X-l5, Aeronaut J, October 1963, 67, (634), pp 618–636.Google Scholar
3. Love, J.E. and Young, W.R. Operational experience of the X-l5 airplane as a reusable vehicle system, SAE Paper 670394. Presented to SAE Space Technology Conference, Palo Alto, California, May 1967.Google Scholar
4. A preliminary feasibility study of the Spacecab low-cost spaceplane and of the Spacecab Demonstrator, Bristol Spaceplanes Limited Report TR6, February 1994. Carried out under ESA Contract No 10422/93/F/TB.Google Scholar
5. Round trip to orbit: human spaceflight alternatives. Office of Technology Assessment of the Congress of the United States. OTA-ISC-419, August 1989.Google Scholar
6. Deplante, H. and Perrier, P.A. A French concept for an aerospace transporter, SAE paper 670388. Presented to SAE Space Technology Conference, Palo Alto, California, May 1967.Google Scholar
7. Ashford, D.M. and Collins, P.Q. The prospects for European aerospace transporters, Aeronaut J, Jan, Feb and March 1989.Google Scholar
8. Cornog, R. Economics of rocket-propelled aeroplanes, Aero Engineering Review, September 1956.Google Scholar
9. Dornberger, W.R. The rocket propelled commercial airliner, University of Minnesota Institute of Technology, Research Report No 135, November 1956.Google Scholar
10. Eggers, A.J. and Niece, S.E. A comparative analysis of the performance of long-range hypervelocity vehicles, NACA TN 4046, October 1957.Google Scholar
11. Koelle, H.H. Assessing re-usable space vehicles, Astronautics and Aeronautics, June 1964, 69, (655), pp 448–458.Google Scholar
12. Ashford, D.M. Boost glide vehicles for long range transport, Aeronaut J, July 1965.Google Scholar
13. Pielke, R.A. Jr. Space shuttle value — open to interpretation, Aviation Week & Space Technology, 26 July 1993.Google Scholar
14. Meyers, J., Andrews, D., Bialla, P., Rozycki, D., Stenovec, J. and Walsh, B. Commercial space transportation results, 1AF-94-IAA.l.1.593. Presented at the 45th Congress of the International Astronautical Federation, 9-14 October 1994, Jerusalem, Israel.Google Scholar
15. Collins, P.Q., Iwasaki, Y., Kanayama, H. and Okazaki, M. Potential demand for passenger travel to orbit. Presented at ASCE Space ‘94, Albuquerque.Google Scholar