Hotol - Where next?

The design of Hotol 'a fully reusable single-stage-to-orbit spaceplane' is examined. The possible incorporation of Hotol into the ESA space program is discussed. Hotol's airbreathing cryogenic engine, which is capable of air-breathing propulsion through the atmosphere and rocket propulsion at Mach 5 and 7, is analyzed. The specifications and wing configuration of the spaceplane are described. The horizontal take-off and landing of the vehicle under microwave radar control is studied. Hotol, which can carry a payload mass of 7-11 tons, is to be utilized for the launching of satellites into geosynchronous orbit and low-earth orbit, and the retrieving of satellites and space station hardware; the spaceplane is designed to perform unmanned and manned operations.