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{{short description|British aerospace company based in Oxfordshire, England}} |
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{{redirect|Reaction Engines|the type of engine|reaction engine}} |
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{{distinguish|Reaction Motors |
{{distinguish|Reaction Motors}} |
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{{Use British English|date=March 2015}} |
{{Use British English|date=March 2015}} |
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{{Use dmy dates|date= |
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2020}} |
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{{Infobox company |
{{Infobox company |
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| name = Reaction Engines Limited |
| name = Reaction Engines Limited |
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| logo = Reaction_Engines_logo_2019.svg |
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| logo =[[File:Reaction Engines logo.jpg|280px|center|The REL corporate logo.]] |
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| type =[[private company|Private]] |
| type = [[private company|Private]] |
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| slogan = |
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| foundation = 1989 |
| foundation = 1989 |
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| founders = {{ubl| [[Alan Bond (engineer)|Alan Bond]] | [[John Scott-Scott]] | [[Richard Varvill]] }} |
| founders = {{ubl| [[Alan Bond (engineer)|Alan Bond]] | [[John Scott-Scott]] | [[Richard Varvill]] }} |
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| key_people = {{ubl| Richard |
| key_people = {{ubl| Richard Varvill (Chief Designer) | Mark Thomas (CEO) | Adam Dissel (President of Reaction Engines Inc.) }} |
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| location = [[Culham Science Centre]], [[Oxfordshire]], England |
| location = [[Culham Science Centre]], [[Oxfordshire]], England |
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| num_employees = |
| num_employees = |
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| industry = [[Aerospace industry|Aerospace]], [[Aerospace engineering|Engineering]] |
| industry = [[Aerospace industry|Aerospace]], [[Aerospace engineering|Engineering]] |
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| products = |
| products = {{ubl| Research & consultancy on [[propulsion]] systems for reusable [[space access]] and [[hypersonic]] flight| Lightweight [[heat exchanger]]s| Precision engineering services|}} |
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| revenue = |
| revenue = |
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| parent = |
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}} |
}} |
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'''Reaction Engines Limited''' |
'''Reaction Engines Limited''' is a British [[aerospace manufacturer]] based in [[Oxfordshire]], England.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reactionengines.co.uk |title=Reaction Engines Ltd. Main Page|website=Reactionengines.co.uk|access-date=1 July 2016}}</ref> |
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==History and personnel== |
==History and personnel== |
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Reaction Engines was founded |
In {{start date and age|1989|paren=y}}, Reaction Engines was founded by [[Alan Bond (engineer)|Alan Bond]] (lead engineer on the [[British Interplanetary Society]]'s [[Project Daedalus]]), [[Richard Varvill]] and [[John Scott-Scott]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01mqv45 |title=BBC Four – The Three Rocketeers |website=Bbc.co.uk |date=15 September 2012 |access-date=1 July 2016}}</ref> (the two principal [[Rolls-Royce plc|Rolls-Royce]] engineers from the [[RB545]] engine project). The company conducts research into space propulsion systems, centred on the development of the [[Skylon (spacecraft)|Skylon]] re-usable [[Single-stage-to-orbit|SSTO]] [[spaceplane]]. The three founders had worked together on the [[HOTOL]] project, funding for which had been withdrawn the previous year, in 1988.{{citation needed|date=October 2022}} |
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⚫ | In 2015, [[BAE Systems]] agreed to buy a 20% stake in the company for £20.6m as part of an agreement to help develop Reaction Engines' Synergetic Air-Breathing Rocket Engine (SABRE) hypersonic engine designed to propel the Skylon orbiter.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://aviationweek.com/technology/bae-takes-stake-reaction-engines-hypersonic-development |title=BAE Takes Stake in Reaction Engines Hypersonic Development |last1=Norris |first1=Guy |date=1 November 2015 |website=aviationweek.com |publisher=Aviation Week & Space Technology |access-date=1 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author1=Peggy Hollinger |author2=Clive Cookson |url=https://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/a25d2798-7f1b-11e5-98fb-5a6d4728f74e.html#axzz3qaP3VeiB |title=BAE Systems to pay £20.6 million for 20% of space engine group |website=Financial Times |date=1 November 2015 |access-date=1 July 2016}}</ref> |
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The division of responsibilities<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.reactionengines.co.uk/about_management.html |title=Reaction Engines Ltd - About: Management |website=Reactionengines.co.uk |date= |accessdate=2016-07-01 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160627164057/http://www.reactionengines.co.uk/about_management.html |archivedate=27 June 2016 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> is: |
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* Mark Thomas CEng FRAeS, Managing Director (2015<ref name="reactionengines1">{{cite web |url=http://www.reactionengines.co.uk/news_updates.html |title=Reaction Engines Ltd - News Updates |website=Reactionengines.co.uk |date= |accessdate=2016-07-01 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018192749/http://www.reactionengines.co.uk/news_updates.html |archivedate=18 October 2014 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>) |
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* Nigel McNair Scott, Non-Executive Chairman (2010) |
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* Tom Scrope, Finance Director (2014<ref name="reactionengines1"/>) |
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* Richard Varvill, Technical Director and Chief Designer |
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* Sam Hutchison, Director of Corporate Development (2012) |
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* Robert Bond, Corporate Programmes Director (2008) |
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* Gordon Harrison, Production Director (2010) |
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* John Garrod, as Non-Executive Director (1996) |
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⚫ | In April 2018, [[Boeing]] announced its investment in Reaction Engines, through Boeing HorizonX Ventures with a $37.3 million [[Series B]] funding alongside Rolls-Royce PLC and BAE Systems.<ref>{{cite press release |url= https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2018-04-11-Boeing-HorizonX-Invests-in-Reaction-Engines-a-UK-Hypersonic-Propulsion-Company |title= Boeing HorizonX Invests in Reaction Engines, a UK Hypersonic Propulsion Company |date=11 April 2018 |publisher= Boeing}}</ref> |
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In 2015 [[BAE Systems]] agreed to buy a 20% stake in the company for £20.6m as part of an agreement to help develop Reaction' |
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In April 2018, [[Boeing]] announced its investment in Reaction Engines, through Boeing HorizonX Ventures with a $37.3 million [[Series B]] funding alongside Rolls-Royce PLC and BAE Systems.<ref>{{cite press release |url= |
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==Current research== |
==Current research== |
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===Skylon=== |
===Skylon=== |
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[[File:Skylon.svg|thumb|right|The proposed [[Skylon (spacecraft)|Skylon]] spacecraft]] |
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{{main|Skylon (spacecraft)}} |
{{main|Skylon (spacecraft)}} |
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Skylon is a design for a [[single-stage-to-orbit]] [[Rocket-based combined cycle|combined-cycle-powered]] orbital spaceplane. |
Skylon is a design for a [[single-stage-to-orbit]] [[Rocket-based combined cycle|combined-cycle-powered]] orbital spaceplane. |
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{{Main|SABRE (rocket engine)}} |
{{Main|SABRE (rocket engine)}} |
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Skylon and the SABRE engine by which it will be powered are being developed as a private venture which aims to overcome the obstacles that were imposed on further HOTOL development due to the British government [[ |
Skylon and the SABRE engine by which it will be powered are being developed as a private venture which aims to overcome the obstacles that were imposed on further HOTOL development due to the British government [[RB545|classifying the HOTOL engine as an "Official Secret"]], and keeping the engine design classified for many years afterward. |
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The company's current |
The company's current development effort is focused on developing a ground demonstration of the SABRE air-breathing core, with additional funding gained from the sale of consultancy and spin-off applications from its heat exchanger expertise. |
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In February 2009, the [[European Space Agency]] announced that it was partially funding work on Skylon's engine to produce technology demonstrations by 2011.<ref>{{cite web |title=Skylon spaceplane engine technology gets European funding |publisher=Flight Global |url= |
In February 2009, the [[European Space Agency]] announced that it was partially funding work on Skylon's engine to produce technology demonstrations by 2011.<ref>{{cite web |title=Skylon spaceplane engine technology gets European funding |publisher=Flight Global |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/02/19/322765/skylon-spaceplane-engine-technology-gets-european-funding.html |archive-date=30 August 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120830143448/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/skylon-spaceplane-engine-technology-gets-european-funding-322765/ |url-status=dead |author=Rob Coppinger |date=19 February 2009 |access-date = 15 April 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Skylon spaceplane gets cash boost |publisher=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7898434.stm |author=Jonathan Amos |date=19 February 2009 |access-date = 15 April 2009}}</ref> With this funding Reaction Engines completed a non-frosting sub-zero heat exchanger demonstration program, [[University of Bristol|Bristol University]] developed the STRICT expansion/deflection nozzle and [[German Aerospace Center|DLR]] completed an oxidiser-cooled combustion chamber demonstration. '''Reaction''' claimed this work moved the Skylon project to a [[Technology readiness level|TRL]] of 4/5. |
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In July 2016, at the [[Farnborough Air Show]], Reaction Engines announced £ |
In July 2016, at the [[Farnborough Air Show]], Reaction Engines announced £60 million in funds from the [[UK Space Agency]] and ESA to create a ground-based SABRE demonstration engine by 2020.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Anthony|first1=Sebastian|title=Reaction Engines unlocks funds for single-stage-to-orbit SABRE engine|url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2016/07/reaction-engines-moves-ahead-with-single-stage-to-orbit-sabre-demo-engine/|access-date=13 July 2016|publisher=Ars Technica|date=13 July 2016}}</ref> |
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Commenting on work undertaken at TF2 in Colorado, in April 2019, Reaction Engines announced that it has successfully tested the precooler technology for [[supersonic]] conditions needed to prevent the engine from melting,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.reactionengines.co.uk/news/reaction-engines-test-programme-successfully-proves-precooler-capability-supersonic-heat-conditions|title=Reaction Engines test programme successfully proves precooler capability at supersonic heat conditions :: Reaction Engines}}</ref> and in October 2019, '''Reaction''' announced that it successfully validated its precooler for [[hypersonic]] (Mach 5) conditions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.reactionengines.co.uk/news/reaction-engines-test-programme-fully-validates-precooler-hypersonic-heat-conditions|title=REACTION ENGINES TEST PROGRAMME FULLY VALIDATES PRECOOLER AT HYPERSONIC HEAT CONDITIONS :: Reaction Engines}}</ref> |
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On 5 February 2008 the company announced it had designed a passenger plane to the concept stage. The [[Reaction Engines A2|A2]] would be capable of flying, non |
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⚫ | In January 2014, Reaction entered into a [[Cooperative research and development agreement]] (CRADA) with the United States [[Air Force Research Laboratory]] (AFRL) to assess and develop SABRE technology.<ref name="Engineer Apr 2016: ARFL SABRE">{{cite magazine |magazine= [[The Engineer (UK magazine)|The Engineer]] |title= ARFL confirms feasibility of Reaction Engines' SABRE engine concept |author= Jason Ford |url= https://www.theengineer.co.uk/issues/april-2015-online/arfl-confirms-feasibility-of-reaction-engines-sabre-engine-concept/ |access-date= 29 September 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160811121210/https://www.theengineer.co.uk/issues/april-2015-online/arfl-confirms-feasibility-of-reaction-engines-sabre-engine-concept/ |archive-date= 11 August 2016 |url-status= dead |df= dmy-all }}</ref> |
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⚫ | In 2015 AFRL announced their analysis "confirmed the feasibility and potential performance of the SABRE engine cycle". However they felt SSTO as a first application was a very high risk development path and proposed that a [[Two Stage to Orbit]] (TSTO) vehicle was a more realistic first step.{{citation needed|date=October 2022}} |
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The |
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⚫ | In 2016 AFRL released two TSTO concepts using SABRE in the first stage: The first {{convert|150|ft|m}} long carrying an expendable upper stage in an underside opening cargo bay capable of delivering around {{convert|5000|lb|kgtonnes}} to an orbit of {{convert|100|nmi|km}}, the second {{convert|190|ft|m}} long carrying a reusable spaceplane on its back, capable of delivering around {{convert|20000|lb|kgtonnes}} to an orbit of {{convert|100|nmi|km}}.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pprune.org/9522036-post108.html|title = PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Skylon}}</ref> |
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In January 2014, |
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⚫ | In March 2017, Reaction announced the formation of an American subsidiary, Reaction Engines Inc (REI), led by Adam Dissel in Castle Rock, Colorado.{{citation needed|date=October 2022}} |
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In 2015 AFRL announced their analysis "confirmed the feasibility and potential performance of the SABRE engine cycle. |
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⚫ | In September 2017, REI announced a contract from [[DARPA]] to test a Reaction precooler test article "HTX" at temperatures exceeding {{convert|1000|C|FK}},<ref name="PR Sep 2017: DARPA THX">{{cite press release|title= Reaction Engines Awarded DARPA Contract to Perform High-Temperature Testing of the SABRE Precooler|date= 25 September 2017|url= https://www.reactionengines.co.uk/reaction-engines-awarded-darpa-contract-to-perform-high-temperature-testing-of-the-sabre-precooler/|access-date= 27 September 2017|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170928232712/https://www.reactionengines.co.uk/reaction-engines-awarded-darpa-contract-to-perform-high-temperature-testing-of-the-sabre-precooler/|archive-date= 28 September 2017|url-status= live|df= dmy-all}}</ref> previous precooler tests focusing on frost control having been conducted from ambient temperature.{{citation needed|date=October 2022}} |
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In 2016 AFRL released two TSTO concepts using SABRE in the first stage: The first {{convert|150|ft|m}} long carrying an expendable upper stage in an underside opening cargo bay capable of delivering around {{convert|5000|lb|tonnes}} to |
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In March 2017, |
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⚫ | On 5 February 2008, the company announced it had designed a passenger plane to the concept stage. The [[Reaction Engines A2|LAPCAT A2]] would be capable of flying, non-stop, halfway around the world at hypersonic speed (Mach 5+).<ref>{{cite news |title=Hypersonic passenger jet designed |publisher=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/oxfordshire/7228341.stm |date=5 February 2008 |access-date = 15 April 2009}}</ref> |
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In September 2017, REI announced a contract from [[DARPA]] to test a |
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⚫ | The engine, [[Reaction Engines Scimitar|SCIMITAR]], has precooler technology which is somewhat similar to SABRE, but does not have the rocket features, and is optimized for higher efficiency for atmospheric flight. |
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Reaction Engines Ltd. is currently also researching more advanced spaceflight. |
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===Passenger Module for Skylon=== |
===Passenger Module for Skylon=== |
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Although Skylon is designed to only launch and retrieve satellites, and |
Although Skylon is designed to only launch and retrieve satellites, and would be uncrewed, Reaction Engines Ltd. has proposed a passenger module in the payload bay of the Reaction Engines Skylon spaceplane.<ref name=PassengerModule>{{cite web|url=https://www.reactionengines.co.uk/skylon_pax.html|title=Passenger module study for Reaction Engines Skylon|website=Reactionengines.co.uk|access-date=1 July 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120615150211/http://www.reactionengines.co.uk/skylon_pax.html|archive-date=15 June 2012}}</ref> |
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The passenger module is sized to fit in the payload bay, and |
The passenger module is sized to fit in the payload bay, and early designs could carry up to 24 passengers and 1 crew. There is an [[International Space Station|ISS]]-type docking port and airlock as the central feature. There are two ground entry doors that align with the doors on the side of the Skylon payload bay to allow easy ground access to the cabin. The doors are fitted with conventional inflatable chutes for passengers to escape in case of any ground emergency. There could be Space Shuttle-type windows on the roof of the module for passengers to enjoy the view in space. There is also a [[space toilet|washroom]] and hygienic facilities provided in the cabin.<ref name=PassengerModule /> |
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Further studies refined the concept, with an initial configuration to be fitted with five ejector seats, for four passengers and one crew, similar to the first four [[Space Shuttle]] spaceflights. Once the passenger module is fully certified, the ejection seats will be removed and there will be 16 upright seats installed for a short stay in space (<14 days) and four [[supine position|supine]] seats fora long stay in space (>14 days). An upright seat will also be provided for the crew. There are also life support systems under the cabin floor, equipment bays, and cargo holds.<ref name=HempsellPasengerModule>{{cite web |title=A PHASED APPROACH TO ORBITAL PUBLIC ACCESS |author= Mark Hempsell |url=https://www.reactionengines.co.uk/downloads/A%20Phased%20Approach%20to%20Orbital%20Public%20Access.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date= 15 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100215220400/http://www.reactionengines.co.uk/downloads/A%20Phased%20Approach%20to%20Orbital%20Public%20Access.pdf}}</ref> |
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===Orbital Base Station=== |
===Orbital Base Station=== |
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The Orbital Base Station (OBS) is a concept of a future, expandable [[space station]] to serve as an integral part of a future space transportation system and also in the maintenance and construction of future |
The Orbital Base Station (OBS) is a concept of a future, expandable [[space station]] to serve as an integral part of a future space transportation system and also in the maintenance and construction of future crewed Moon and Mars spacecraft.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reactionengines.co.uk/obs.html|title=Advanced Studies: Orbital Base Station|website=Reactionengines.co.uk|access-date=1 July 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120706064904/http://www.reactionengines.co.uk/obs.html|archive-date=6 July 2012}}</ref> |
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The construction of the OBS is modular, and assumes the use of the Reaction Engines Skylon in Low Earth Orbit. The structure is based on a cylinder, designed to allow space inside the cylindrical section for the construction and repair of various spacecraft. The cylindrical structure will also provide space for habitation modules with docking ports, manipulator arms, and propellant farms to refuel an interplanetary spacecraft. |
The construction of the OBS is modular, and assumes the use of the Reaction Engines Skylon in Low Earth Orbit. The structure is based on a cylinder, designed to allow space inside the cylindrical section for the construction and repair of various spacecraft. The cylindrical structure will also provide space for habitation modules with docking ports, manipulator arms, and propellant farms to refuel an interplanetary spacecraft. |
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===Reaction Engines Project Troy=== |
===Reaction Engines Project Troy=== |
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The Reaction Engines Troy Mission is a concept of a future [[Human mission to Mars|crewed mission to Mars]]. The concept arose to confirm the capability of the Skylon launch vehicle that it can and does enable large human exploration to the [[Solar System]]'s planets.<ref>{{cite web|url= |
The Reaction Engines Troy Mission is a concept of a future [[Human mission to Mars|crewed mission to Mars]]. The concept arose to confirm the capability of the Skylon launch vehicle that it can and does enable large human exploration to the [[Solar System]]'s planets.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reactionengines.co.uk/troy.html|title=Advanced Studies: Reaction Engines TROY|website=Reactionengines.co.uk|access-date=1 July 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120628034440/http://www.reactionengines.co.uk/troy.html|archive-date=28 June 2012}}</ref> |
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The Troy spacecraft concept consists of |
The Troy spacecraft concept consists of a robotic precursor mission, including an Earth Departure Stage, and a Mars Transfer Stage. There is a habitation module, a storage module, and a propulsion module to be deployed from the spacecraft to land together at a selected site on the Martian surface to form a base. There are also ferry vehicles that would transfer crew members to and from the base to an orbiting crewed spacecraft. There would be three precursor spacecraft to Mars to set up three bases on the planet to enable maximum exploration of the planet's surface. |
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50 days after launch, the Earth Departure Stage is brought back to low Earth orbit by the Earth's gravity, and the Fluyt [[space tug]] would bring the stage back to the Orbital Base Station for construction of the later crewed mission.{{citation needed|date=June 2015}} |
50 days after launch, the Earth Departure Stage is brought back to low Earth orbit by the Earth's gravity, and the Fluyt [[space tug]] would bring the stage back to the Orbital Base Station for construction of the later crewed mission.{{citation needed|date=June 2015}} |
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The crewed spacecraft would consist of 3 habitation modules, 3 docking ports, and two ferry vehicles. The spacecraft would rotate along the centerline to provide [[artificial gravity]]. It would leave Earth with the Earth Departure Stage and transfer to Mars with the Mars Transfer Stage, and [[space rendezvous|rendezvous]] with the precursor spacecraft in Martian orbit. The craft would dock together to enable the crew to transfer to the ferry vehicles for descent to the surface at a selected site. The crew, along with the equipped rovers, would spend 14 months to explore the Martian surface. The crew would return to Martian orbit with the ferry vehicle and rendezvous and dock with the orbiting crewed spacecraft. After a detailed inspection of the vehicle, the spacecraft would leave Mars for Earth on the Earth Return Stage. When the craft is captured in a [[Molniya orbit]] around Earth, the crew would board a ferry vehicle for transfer to low Earth orbit and rendezvous and dock with the waiting Skylon spacecraft for return to Earth. |
The crewed spacecraft would consist of 3 habitation modules, 3 docking ports, and two ferry vehicles. The spacecraft would rotate along the centerline to provide [[artificial gravity]]. It would leave Earth with the Earth Departure Stage and transfer to Mars with the Mars Transfer Stage, and [[space rendezvous|rendezvous]] with the precursor spacecraft in Martian orbit. The craft would dock together to enable the crew to transfer to the ferry vehicles for descent to the surface at a selected site. The crew, along with the equipped rovers, would spend 14 months to explore the Martian surface. The crew would return to Martian orbit with the ferry vehicle and rendezvous and dock with the orbiting crewed spacecraft. After a detailed inspection of the vehicle, the spacecraft would leave Mars for Earth on the Earth Return Stage. When the craft is captured in a [[Molniya orbit]] around Earth, the crew would board a ferry vehicle for transfer to low Earth orbit and rendezvous and dock with the waiting Skylon spacecraft for return to Earth. |
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Construction of the spacecraft would take place at the Orbital Base Station inside the cylindrical structure. Because the spacecraft is of highly modular design, the components would be brought up by the Skylon spacecraft. The rocket engines, fuel and oxidizer tanks, and habitation modules are sized to fit inside the Skylon payload bay, and that the fully assembled craft would also fit inside the cylindrical structure of the OBS.<ref>{{cite web|url= |
Construction of the spacecraft would take place at the Orbital Base Station inside the cylindrical structure. Because the spacecraft is of highly modular design, the components would be brought up by the Skylon spacecraft. The rocket engines, fuel and oxidizer tanks, and habitation modules are sized to fit inside the Skylon payload bay, and that the fully assembled craft would also fit inside the cylindrical structure of the OBS.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reactionengines.co.uk/vid_troy.html|title=Video on TROY Mission to Mars|website=Reactionengines.co.uk|access-date=1 July 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160626225403/http://www.reactionengines.co.uk/vid_troy.html|archive-date=26 June 2016}}</ref> |
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===Fluyt OTV=== |
===Fluyt OTV=== |
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{{anchor|FLUYT}} <!-- {{R to section}} [[FLUYT]] links here --> |
{{anchor|FLUYT}} <!-- {{R to section}} [[FLUYT]] links here --> |
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The Fluyt Orbital Transfer Vehicle is a concept of a future [[space tug]]. It would have the ability to dock with orbiting spacecraft and move payload in orbit. It is conceived to be assembled from two parts, each sized to fit inside the Skylon payload bay, it would be launched from the Skylon and would also be an integral part for the construction of the Orbital Base Station as well as the Reaction Engines Troy and the retrieval of the Earth Departure Stage from the Precursor mission of the Troy mission.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reactionengines.co.uk/fluyt.html|title=The Fluyt OTV|website=Reactionengines.co.uk| |
The Fluyt Orbital Transfer Vehicle is a concept of a future [[space tug]]. It would have the ability to dock with orbiting spacecraft and move payload in orbit. It is conceived to be assembled from two parts, each sized to fit inside the Skylon payload bay, it would be launched from the Skylon and would also be an integral part for the construction of the Orbital Base Station as well as the Reaction Engines Troy and the retrieval of the Earth Departure Stage from the Precursor mission of the Troy mission.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reactionengines.co.uk/fluyt.html|title=The Fluyt OTV|website=Reactionengines.co.uk|access-date=1 July 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120705135740/http://www.reactionengines.co.uk/fluyt.html|archive-date=5 July 2012}}</ref><ref>IAC-10.D2.3.7 – The Fluyt Stage: A Design for a Space-Based Orbit Transfer Vehicle</ref> |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{reflist}} |
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{{wikinews|UK firm designs hypersonic passenger jet}} |
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{{Reflist}} |
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==Publications== |
==Publications== |
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* {{cite magazine |date= May 1993 |first1= Richard |last1= Varvill |first2= Alan |last2= Bond |title= Skylon: A Key Element of a Future Space Transportation System |pages= 162–166 |issue= 5 |volume= 35 |magazine= [[Spaceflight (magazine)|Spaceflight]] |publisher= [[British Interplanetary Society]] |issn= 0038-6340 |place= London}} |
* {{cite magazine |date= May 1993 |first1= Richard |last1= Varvill |first2= Alan |last2= Bond |title= Skylon: A Key Element of a Future Space Transportation System |pages= 162–166 |issue= 5 |volume= 35 |magazine= [[Spaceflight (magazine)|Spaceflight]] |publisher= [[British Interplanetary Society]] |issn= 0038-6340 |place= London}} |
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* {{cite magazine |date= April 2003 |first1= Alan |last1= Bond |first2= Richard |last2= Varvill |title= SKYLON- a realistic single stage spaceplane |pages= 158–161 |issue= 4 |volume= 45 |magazine= [[Spaceflight (magazine)|Spaceflight]] |publisher= [[British Interplanetary Society]] |issn= 0038-6340 |place= London}} |
* {{cite magazine |date= April 2003 |first1= Alan |last1= Bond |first2= Richard |last2= Varvill |title= SKYLON- a realistic single stage spaceplane |pages= 158–161 |issue= 4 |volume= 45 |magazine= [[Spaceflight (magazine)|Spaceflight]] |publisher= [[British Interplanetary Society]] |issn= 0038-6340 |place= London}} |
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* {{cite journal |year=2003 |last1=Varvill |first1=Richard |last2=Bond |first2=Alan |title=A Comparison of Propulsions Concepts for SSTO Reusable launchers |url= |
* {{cite journal |year=2003 |last1=Varvill |first1=Richard |last2=Bond |first2=Alan |title=A Comparison of Propulsions Concepts for SSTO Reusable launchers |url=https://www.reactionengines.co.uk/downloads/JBIS_v56_108-117.pdf |journal=[[Journal of the British Interplanetary Society]] |volume=56 |pages=108–17 |bibcode=2003JBIS...56..108V |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120628231043/http://www.reactionengines.co.uk/downloads/JBIS_v56_108-117.pdf |archive-date=28 June 2012 }} |
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* {{cite journal |year= 2004 |last1= Varvill |first1= Richard |last2= Bond |first2= Alan |title= The SKYLON Spaceplane |url= |
* {{cite journal |year= 2004 |last1= Varvill |first1= Richard |last2= Bond |first2= Alan |title= The SKYLON Spaceplane |url= https://www.reactionengines.co.uk/downloads/JBIS_v57_22-32.pdf |journal= Journal of the British Interplanetary Society |volume= 57 |pages= 22–32 |bibcode= 2004JBIS...57...22V |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110516165011/http://www.reactionengines.co.uk/downloads/JBIS_v57_22-32.pdf |archive-date= 16 May 2011 |df= dmy-all }} |
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* {{cite book |year= 2007 |author=House of Commons Science and Technology Committee |title="2007: A Space Policy |
* {{cite book |year= 2007 |author=House of Commons Science and Technology Committee |title="2007: A Space Policy – Seventh Report of Session 2006–08" | volume = II |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=nRdqigyj_RMC | publisher = Her Majesty's Stationery Office |isbn = 978-0-215-03509-7 }} |
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* {{cite |
* {{cite tech report |date= 11 September 2008 |institution= [[Reaction Engines Ltd]] |title= Solar Power Satellites and Spaceplanes – The Skylon Initiative |editor= Tony Martin}} |
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* {{cite conference |year= 2008 |first= Richard |last= Varvill |title= Heat Exchanger Development at Reaction Engines Ltd (IAC-08-C4.5.2) |conference= 57th International Astronautical Congress |url= |
* {{cite conference |year= 2008 |first= Richard |last= Varvill |title= Heat Exchanger Development at Reaction Engines Ltd (IAC-08-C4.5.2) |conference= 57th International Astronautical Congress |url= https://www.reactionengines.co.uk/downloads/Heat%20exchanger%20development%20at%20REL%20IAC%2008%20C4.5.2.pdf |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110725042437/http://www.reactionengines.co.uk/downloads/Heat%20exchanger%20development%20at%20REL%20IAC%2008%20C4.5.2.pdf |archive-date= 25 July 2011 |df= dmy-all }} |
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* {{cite conference |year= 2008 |first1= Richard |last1= Varvill |first2= Guillermo |last2= Paniagua |first3= Hiromasa |last3= Kato |first4= Mark |last4= Thatcher |title= Design and Testing of the Contra-rotating Turbine for the Scimitar Pre-cooled Mach 5 Cruise Engine (IAC-08-C4.5.3) |conference= 57th International Astronautical Congress |url= |
* {{cite conference |year= 2008 |first1= Richard |last1= Varvill |first2= Guillermo |last2= Paniagua |first3= Hiromasa |last3= Kato |first4= Mark |last4= Thatcher |title= Design and Testing of the Contra-rotating Turbine for the Scimitar Pre-cooled Mach 5 Cruise Engine (IAC-08-C4.5.3) |conference= 57th International Astronautical Congress |url= https://www.reactionengines.co.uk/downloads/Scimitar%20contra-rotating%20turbine%20development%20IAC%2008%20C4.5.3.pdf |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20111020124757/http://www.reactionengines.co.uk/downloads/Scimitar%20contra-rotating%20turbine%20development%20IAC%2008%20C4.5.3.pdf |archive-date= 20 October 2011 |df= dmy-all }} |
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* {{cite journal |year= 2008 | |
* {{cite journal |year= 2008 |first1= Richard |last1= Varvill |first2= Alan |last2= Bond |title= The SKYLON Spaceplane – Progress to Realisation |journal= [[Journal of the British Interplanetary Society]] |volume= 61 |pages= 412–418 |bibcode= 2008JBIS...61..412V |url= https://www.reactionengines.co.uk/downloads/The%20SKYLON%20Spaceplane-Progress%20to%20Realisation,%20JBIS,%202008.pdf |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120212213106/http://www.reactionengines.co.uk/downloads/The%20SKYLON%20Spaceplane-Progress%20to%20Realisation,%20JBIS,%202008.pdf |archive-date= 12 February 2012 |url-status= dead |df= dmy-all }} |
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* {{cite web |year= 2009 |last1= Hempsell |first1= Mark |last2= Longstaff |first2= Roger | |
* {{cite web |year= 2009 |last1= Hempsell |first1= Mark |last2= Longstaff |first2= Roger |author-link1= Mark Hempsell |title= Skylon User Manual v1.1 |url= https://www.reactionengines.co.uk/tech_docs/SKYLON_User_Manual_rev1-1.pdf |publisher= [[Reaction Engines Ltd]] |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160418035934/http://www.reactionengines.co.uk/tech_docs/SKYLON_User_Manual_rev1-1.pdf |archive-date= 18 April 2016 |df= dmy-all }} |
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* {{cite conference |date= October 2011 | |
* {{cite conference |date= October 2011 |first1= Mark |last1= Hempsell |first2= Roger |last2= Longstaff |title= The Requirement Generation Process for the SKYLON Launch System (IAC-09.D2.5.7) |conference= 60th International Astronautical Congress |place= Daejeon}} |
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* {{cite conference |date= October 2011 | |
* {{cite conference |date= October 2011 |first1= Mark |last1= Hempsell |first2= Alan |last2= Bond |first3= R |last3= Bond |first4= Richard |last4= Varvill |title= Progress on the SKYLON and SABRE Development Programme (IAC-11.D 2.4.2, IAC-11.B3.2.6) |conference = 62nd International Astronautical Congress |place= Cape Town}} |
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* {{cite conference |date=8 December 2011 |last= Bond |first= Alan |title= Progress on the SKYLON Reusable Spaceplane |conference= 7th Appleton Space Conference (RALSpace) |url= https://www.ralspace.stfc.ac.uk/Pages/Presentation_13.pdf}} |
* {{cite conference |date=8 December 2011 |last= Bond |first= Alan |title= Progress on the SKYLON Reusable Spaceplane |conference= 7th Appleton Space Conference (RALSpace) |url= https://www.ralspace.stfc.ac.uk/Pages/Presentation_13.pdf}} |
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* {{cite conference |date= September 2013 |first= Mark |last= Hempsell |title=Progress on SKYLON and SABRE (IAC-13.D2.4.6) |conference= 64th International Astronautical Congress |place= Beijing, China}} |
* {{cite conference |date= September 2013 |first= Mark |last= Hempsell |title=Progress on SKYLON and SABRE (IAC-13.D2.4.6) |conference= 64th International Astronautical Congress |place= Beijing, China}} |
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* {{cite web |year= 2014 |last1= Hempsell |first1= Mark |last2= Longstaff |first2= Roger | |
* {{cite web |year= 2014 |last1= Hempsell |first1= Mark |last2= Longstaff |first2= Roger |author-link1= Mark Hempsell |title= Skylon User Manual v2.1 |url= https://www.reactionengines.co.uk/tech_docs/SKYLON_Users_Manual_Rev_2.1.pdf |publisher= Reaction Engines |pages= 1–52 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151129034506/http://www.reactionengines.co.uk/tech_docs/SKYLON_Users_Manual_Rev_2.1.pdf |archive-date= 29 November 2015 |df= dmy-all }} |
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* {{cite conference |date= 2015 | |
* {{cite conference |date= 2015 |first1= Philippa |last1= Davis |first2= Mark |last2= Hempsell |first3 = Richard |last3= Varvill |title = Progress on Skylon and SABRE (IAC-15-D2.1.8)|conference = 66th International Astronautical Congress}} |
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{{refend}} |
{{refend}} |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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* [ |
* [https://www.reactionengines.co.uk/ Reaction Engines Limited homepage] |
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* [ |
* [https://spacefellowship.com/News/?p=7890 Reaction Engines Talk to the Space Fellowship] |
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* [[Mark Hempsell]] from |
* [[Mark Hempsell]] from Reaction Engines [https://web.archive.org/web/20120219112920/http://www.thespaceshow.com/detail.asp?q=1203 appeared] on ''[[The Space Show]]'' |
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* {{cite news |url= |
* {{cite news |url= https://aviationweek.com/space/reaction-begins-building-us-hypersonic-engine-test-site |title= Reaction Begins Building U.S. Hypersonic Engine Test Site |date= 18 December 2017 |author= Guy Norris |work= Aviation Week Network}} |
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* {{cite news |url= |
* {{cite news |url= https://aviationweek.com/defense/boeing-rolls-royce-back-reaction-hypersonic-engine-developer |title= Boeing, Rolls-Royce Back Reaction Hypersonic Engine Developer |date= 11 April 2018 |author= Guy Norris |work= Aviation Week Network}} |
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{{Reaction Engines}} |
{{Reaction Engines}} |
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{{Aerospace industry in the United Kingdom}} |
{{Aerospace industry in the United Kingdom}} |
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{{Authority control}} |
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[[Category:Companies based in Oxfordshire]] |
[[Category:Companies based in Oxfordshire]] |
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[[Category:Manufacturing companies established in 1989]] |
[[Category:Manufacturing companies established in 1989]] |
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[[Category:Rocket engine manufacturers]] |
[[Category:Rocket engine manufacturers of the United Kingdom]] |
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[[Category:Science and technology in Oxfordshire]] |
[[Category:Science and technology in Oxfordshire]] |
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[[Category:South Oxfordshire District]] |
[[Category:South Oxfordshire District]] |
![]() | |
Company type | Private |
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Industry | Aerospace, Engineering |
Founded | 1989 |
Founders |
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Headquarters | Culham Science Centre, Oxfordshire, England |
Key people |
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Products |
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Website | https://www.reactionengines.co.uk/ |
Reaction Engines Limited is a British aerospace manufacturer based in Oxfordshire, England.[1]
In 1989 (35 years ago) (1989), Reaction Engines was founded by Alan Bond (lead engineer on the British Interplanetary Society's Project Daedalus), Richard Varvill and John Scott-Scott[2] (the two principal Rolls-Royce engineers from the RB545 engine project). The company conducts research into space propulsion systems, centred on the development of the Skylon re-usable SSTO spaceplane. The three founders had worked together on the HOTOL project, funding for which had been withdrawn the previous year, in 1988.[citation needed]
In 2015, BAE Systems agreed to buy a 20% stake in the company for £20.6m as part of an agreement to help develop Reaction Engines' Synergetic Air-Breathing Rocket Engine (SABRE) hypersonic engine designed to propel the Skylon orbiter.[3][4]
In April 2018, Boeing announced its investment in Reaction Engines, through Boeing HorizonX Ventures with a $37.3 million Series B funding alongside Rolls-Royce PLC and BAE Systems.[5]
Skylon is a design for a single-stage-to-orbit combined-cycle-powered orbital spaceplane.
Skylon and the SABRE engine by which it will be powered are being developed as a private venture which aims to overcome the obstacles that were imposed on further HOTOL development due to the British government classifying the HOTOL engine as an "Official Secret", and keeping the engine design classified for many years afterward.
The company's current development effort is focused on developing a ground demonstration of the SABRE air-breathing core, with additional funding gained from the sale of consultancy and spin-off applications from its heat exchanger expertise.
In February 2009, the European Space Agency announced that it was partially funding work on Skylon's engine to produce technology demonstrations by 2011.[6][7] With this funding Reaction Engines completed a non-frosting sub-zero heat exchanger demonstration program, Bristol University developed the STRICT expansion/deflection nozzle and DLR completed an oxidiser-cooled combustion chamber demonstration. Reaction claimed this work moved the Skylon project to a TRL of 4/5.
In July 2016, at the Farnborough Air Show, Reaction Engines announced £60 million in funds from the UK Space Agency and ESA to create a ground-based SABRE demonstration engine by 2020.[8]
Commenting on work undertaken at TF2 in Colorado, in April 2019, Reaction Engines announced that it has successfully tested the precooler technology for supersonic conditions needed to prevent the engine from melting,[9] and in October 2019, Reaction announced that it successfully validated its precooler for hypersonic (Mach 5) conditions.[10]
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In January 2014, Reaction entered into a Cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA) with the United States Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to assess and develop SABRE technology.[11]
In 2015 AFRL announced their analysis "confirmed the feasibility and potential performance of the SABRE engine cycle". However they felt SSTO as a first application was a very high risk development path and proposed that a Two Stage to Orbit (TSTO) vehicle was a more realistic first step.[citation needed]
In 2016 AFRL released two TSTO concepts using SABRE in the first stage: The first 150 feet (46 m) long carrying an expendable upper stage in an underside opening cargo bay capable of delivering around 5,000 pounds (2,300 kg; 2.3 t) to an orbit of 100 nautical miles (190 km), the second 190 feet (58 m) long carrying a reusable spaceplane on its back, capable of delivering around 20,000 pounds (9,100 kg; 9.1 t) to an orbit of 100 nautical miles (190 km).[12]
In March 2017, Reaction announced the formation of an American subsidiary, Reaction Engines Inc (REI), led by Adam Dissel in Castle Rock, Colorado.[citation needed]
In September 2017, REI announced a contract from DARPA to test a Reaction precooler test article "HTX" at temperatures exceeding 1,000 °C (1,830 °F; 1,270 K),[13] previous precooler tests focusing on frost control having been conducted from ambient temperature.[citation needed]
On 5 February 2008, the company announced it had designed a passenger plane to the concept stage. The LAPCAT A2 would be capable of flying, non-stop, halfway around the world at hypersonic speed (Mach 5+).[14]
The engine, SCIMITAR, has precooler technology which is somewhat similar to SABRE, but does not have the rocket features, and is optimized for higher efficiency for atmospheric flight.
Although Skylon is designed to only launch and retrieve satellites, and would be uncrewed, Reaction Engines Ltd. has proposed a passenger module in the payload bay of the Reaction Engines Skylon spaceplane.[15]
The passenger module is sized to fit in the payload bay, and early designs could carry up to 24 passengers and 1 crew. There is an ISS-type docking port and airlock as the central feature. There are two ground entry doors that align with the doors on the side of the Skylon payload bay to allow easy ground access to the cabin. The doors are fitted with conventional inflatable chutes for passengers to escape in case of any ground emergency. There could be Space Shuttle-type windows on the roof of the module for passengers to enjoy the view in space. There is also a washroom and hygienic facilities provided in the cabin.[15]
Further studies refined the concept, with an initial configuration to be fitted with five ejector seats, for four passengers and one crew, similar to the first four Space Shuttle spaceflights. Once the passenger module is fully certified, the ejection seats will be removed and there will be 16 upright seats installed for a short stay in space (<14 days) and four supine seats for a long stay in space (>14 days). An upright seat will also be provided for the crew. There are also life support systems under the cabin floor, equipment bays, and cargo holds.[16]
The Orbital Base Station (OBS) is a concept of a future, expandable space station to serve as an integral part of a future space transportation system and also in the maintenance and construction of future crewed Moon and Mars spacecraft.[17]
The construction of the OBS is modular, and assumes the use of the Reaction Engines Skylon in Low Earth Orbit. The structure is based on a cylinder, designed to allow space inside the cylindrical section for the construction and repair of various spacecraft. The cylindrical structure will also provide space for habitation modules with docking ports, manipulator arms, and propellant farms to refuel an interplanetary spacecraft.
The Reaction Engines Troy Mission is a concept of a future crewed mission to Mars. The concept arose to confirm the capability of the Skylon launch vehicle that it can and does enable large human exploration to the Solar System's planets.[18]
The Troy spacecraft concept consists of a robotic precursor mission, including an Earth Departure Stage, and a Mars Transfer Stage. There is a habitation module, a storage module, and a propulsion module to be deployed from the spacecraft to land together at a selected site on the Martian surface to form a base. There are also ferry vehicles that would transfer crew members to and from the base to an orbiting crewed spacecraft. There would be three precursor spacecraft to Mars to set up three bases on the planet to enable maximum exploration of the planet's surface.
50 days after launch, the Earth Departure Stage is brought back to low Earth orbit by the Earth's gravity, and the Fluyt space tug would bring the stage back to the Orbital Base Station for construction of the later crewed mission.[citation needed]
The crewed spacecraft would consist of 3 habitation modules, 3 docking ports, and two ferry vehicles. The spacecraft would rotate along the centerline to provide artificial gravity. It would leave Earth with the Earth Departure Stage and transfer to Mars with the Mars Transfer Stage, and rendezvous with the precursor spacecraft in Martian orbit. The craft would dock together to enable the crew to transfer to the ferry vehicles for descent to the surface at a selected site. The crew, along with the equipped rovers, would spend 14 months to explore the Martian surface. The crew would return to Martian orbit with the ferry vehicle and rendezvous and dock with the orbiting crewed spacecraft. After a detailed inspection of the vehicle, the spacecraft would leave Mars for Earth on the Earth Return Stage. When the craft is captured in a Molniya orbit around Earth, the crew would board a ferry vehicle for transfer to low Earth orbit and rendezvous and dock with the waiting Skylon spacecraft for return to Earth.
Construction of the spacecraft would take place at the Orbital Base Station inside the cylindrical structure. Because the spacecraft is of highly modular design, the components would be brought up by the Skylon spacecraft. The rocket engines, fuel and oxidizer tanks, and habitation modules are sized to fit inside the Skylon payload bay, and that the fully assembled craft would also fit inside the cylindrical structure of the OBS.[19]
The Fluyt Orbital Transfer Vehicle is a concept of a future space tug. It would have the ability to dock with orbiting spacecraft and move payload in orbit. It is conceived to be assembled from two parts, each sized to fit inside the Skylon payload bay, it would be launched from the Skylon and would also be an integral part for the construction of the Orbital Base Station as well as the Reaction Engines Troy and the retrieval of the Earth Departure Stage from the Precursor mission of the Troy mission.[20][21]
51°39′26″N 1°13′50″W / 51.657228°N 1.230461°W / 51.657228; -1.230461