The SKYLON Project

The paper will describe the system concept of the SKYLON Single Stage to Orbit Reusable Launch Vehicle. The basic mission will be described, and a technical description of the propulsion system and the airframe will be presented. Current activities, and the experimental test programme that is verifying the critical technologies, will be discussed. In particular, the design, manufacture and test of the only item requiring brand new technology – the precooler – will be discussed, and the consequent risk reduction activities placed into context.