---
title: Spaceplane
type: technology
url: "https://www.envisioning.com/research/altitude/spaceplane"
hub: altitude
summary: Reusable spacecraft that take off and land like aircraft for orbital access and hypersonic travel
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# Spaceplane

Reusable spacecraft that take off and land like aircraft for orbital access and hypersonic travel
- Technology Readiness Level: 6/9
- Impact: 5/5
- Investment: 5/5
Spaceplanes combine aircraft and spacecraft capability. Research and development; Skylon, Sierra Space Dream Chaser. Applications: hypersonic transport, orbital access. Challenges include propulsion (SABRE) and economics.

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Source: Envisioning — Technology Research Institute (https://www.envisioning.com/research/altitude/spaceplane)