Just watched a really good program on BBC4 on the guy behind HOTOL and more recently Skylon, the single stage to space aircraft. Another inspirational and plucky, can-do Brit, battling to bring an innovative idea to fruition.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode...ee_Rocketeers/

 

Hes the new frank Whittle .... realluy good preogram this!

 

If you look at their website, they are very ambitious. They even have a Mach 5 airline concept which looks v sexy. I just fear that this, plus Skylon will never get realized. We need this sort of easy access to space if we are ever truly going to profit from expansion off this world.

Reaction Engines Ltd

 

Got to ask what's the market? Concorde had a few wobbles, lost the public's eye and got a final kick in the nuts from the uptake of video conferencing etc.

Bearing in mind the likely risks, I can't see a passenger service happening. Shuttle/freight and maybe orbital emergency rescue service, coastguard.

J.

 

Very good,enjoyed watching that.He is right though,this country has no vision.