The British Skylon single-stage-to-orbit space plane would take off from a runway and fly on air-breathing hydrogen-fueled rocket engines for much of its ascent through the atmosphere. When the air becomes too thin, Skylon switches to onboard liquid oxygen.
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Skylon's payload bay carries both passengers and cargo, although the craft itself is controlled remotely and has no onboard pilots.
Crew: None (remotely controlled from the ground)
Passengers: None (up to 30 in optional passenger module)
Payload: 33,000 lbs. (15,000 kilograms)
Length: 273 feet (83 meters)
Wingspan: 88 feet (26.8 m)
Loaded weight: 717,000 lbs. (325,000 kg)
Maximum speed: air-breathing Mach 5.14, rocket Mach 27.8
Orbital altitude: 373 miles (600 kilometers)
The Skylon Space Plane in Pictures
The Skylon Personnel / Logistics Module (SPLM) could be installed in Skylon's cargo bay for carrying a combination of passengers and supplies to orbital stations. If carrying passengers only, it could support up to 30 people.