Photos: Swiss Robotic Mini-Shuttle Concept Unveiled
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SOAR Unmanned Space Plane
The Switzerland-based Swiss Space Systems announced plans to launch a privately built SOAR unmanned space plane from an Airbus A300 jetliner by 2017 for small satellite launches.
Artist's Illustration of SOAR Unmanned Space Vehicle
This artist's illustration shows the Swiss Space Systems unmanned SOAR space plane gliding back to its spaceport after launching a small satellite.
Artist's Illustration of SOAR Rocket Engine
An illustration of the Swiss Space Systems unmanned space plane SOAR space plane's upper stage rocket engine for launching small satellites into orbit.
Flight Plan for SOAR Space Plane
This Swiss Space Systems graphic depicts the flight planned for the company's unmanned SOAR space plane for satellite launches. The spacecraft is designed to launch from an Airbus A300 jetliner.
Artist’s Impression of SOAR Spaceport
An artist's illustration of a commercial spaceport for the private SOAR unmanned space plane being developed by the company Swiss Space Systems in Payerne, Switzerland.
Breaking space news, the latest updates on rocket launches, skywatching events and more!

Space.com is the premier source of space exploration, innovation and astronomy news, chronicling (and celebrating) humanity's ongoing expansion across the final frontier. Originally founded in 1999, Space.com is, and always has been, the passion of writers and editors who are space fans and also trained journalists. Our current news team consists of Editor-in-Chief Tariq Malik; Editor Hanneke Weitering, Senior Space Writer Mike Wall; Senior Writer Meghan Bartels; Senior Writer Chelsea Gohd, Senior Writer Tereza Pultarova and Staff Writer Alexander Cox, focusing on e-commerce. Senior Producer Steve Spaleta oversees our space videos, with Diana Whitcroft as our Social Media Editor.
