AIAA - 93 - 5162 Space Plane Concept Overview

Having considered a number of possible future space activities and analysing their implications for future launch vehicle requirements in terms of economics, technological and policy aspects by overcoming the disadvantages of the current launch system, the development of the low-cost fully reusable new space transportation system to and from lower earth orbit, as driven by the clear need for affordability and operational flexibility, would he key issue. For such advanced systems, the spaceplane integrated by hypersonic airbreathing propulsion system, optimally configured as single stage or two stage to orbit, horizontal take-off and landing system, would he potentially one of promising options. In Japan, National Aerospace Laboratory of Science and Technology Agency (NAL) h a s initiatedthe Spaceplane Program since 1987 to define the concept and to mature the required hypersonic technologies as well as to provide a base of research and development capabilities in critical disciplines for the development of future space transportation system. The present overview paper will discuss the current activities on NAL spaceplane research program, with an emphasis on the vehicle system concept powered by hypersonic a i rbreathing propulsion system