SABRE engine passes second of three major tests.
After a successful initial round of tests in April, the SABRE engine has passed further testing on its pre-cooler technology, edging closer to the goal of an engine capable of operating both as a jet and as a rocket. The engine passed testing on its aerodynamic stability, structural integrity, and cryogenic cooling capabilities.
SABRE will enable an aircraft to fly anywhere in the world in under 4 hours or a spaceplane to fly into orbit around the Earth – slashing the cost of space travel and creating new commercial opportunities in space. Reusable space planes powered by the engine could cut the cost of launching satellites by as much as 100 times.
The third and final round of tests will begin next month.
(Source: reactionengines.co.uk, via bachin221b)
