Skylon: en route to space business
The Skylon spaceplane is being conceptualization. Reaction Engines Limited hopes to put that gear on the market within 10 years. It will measure 82 meters long and will trade space.
Hangar Reserve
The space plane out of its maintenance hangar where it is inspected after each return to Earth and repaired if necessary.
Refueling station
The craft was towed to the loading bay of the goods. He will receive his support for space.
Placing the burden
The charge is intended to Skylon channeled by a system of rail to the cargo bay of the aircraft. This system requires no human intervention.
En route to the runway
Before takeoff, Skylon is driven pump to fill oxygen and liquid hydrogen. They are sources of energy to the spacecraft.
Off like a real plane
The final tests are made on the runway. The reactors Saber start walking and can take off like any horizontal plane.
Thrusters premium
During takeoff, the engine operating mode Saber brewing air classic.
Unimaginable speed
The reactors can reach speeds of Mach 5.5 which is equivalent to 6 732 km / h. This corresponds to more than 5.5 times the speed of sound.
Beginning the ascent
During the first phase of the rise in lower layers of the atmosphere, the engines operate by circulating the air. They cool the air before its entry.
Reactors fueled with liquid oxygen
To facilitate the ascent of the craft, the engines pass mode rocket. For this, they will use liquid oxygen to feed.
En route to the stars
In the upper layers of the atmosphere, the control system of the altitude changes. We pass to the system RCS (Reaction Control System) used by all current space shuttle.
Orbit
For the orbit, Skylon will use four small engines OMS (orbital motors) located in the tail, more engines Saber.
Making contact
Once in orbit, the doors of the loading area and open communication can be established.
Jettison of the goods
A typical mission that will lead Skylon the orbit of many satellites. This system will be cheaper for businesses.
End of mission
Once the mission is completed, the communication antenna is returned to the shuttle and loading doors are closed.
Deceleration of the Space Shuttle
The four engines orbital WHO are then lit to allow deceleration of the shuttle and a descent to an entry into Earth’s atmosphere.
Penetration in the delicate atmosphere
During penetration, atmospheric shield ceramic reaches a temperature of 1 100 Kelvin or 827 ° C. The heat is sent outside. If ever the heat through the heat shield, balls remaining hydrogen will absorb the liquid.
Back on Earth
As with any airplane, Skylon is also equipped with landing gear for take off and arrive safely on the runway.
Mission accomplished for the shuttle Skylon
Upon his arrival, Skylon has led to its maintenance hangar to be auscultated and almost ready for a new mission.