Skylon/SSTO propulsion review documents available online

I have just noticed that papers that Henry mentioned the SSTO
propulsion review documents are currently available if anyone is
interested:

http://www.reactionengines.co.uk/mai...tent=downloads

The Skylon design described is seriously impressive.

(Ian Woollard) wrote in message . com...
I have just noticed that papers that Henry mentioned the SSTO
propulsion review documents are currently available if anyone is
interested:

http://www.reactionengines.co.uk/mai...tent=downloads

The Skylon design described is seriously impressive.

I have taken a look at the info on this website and I agree that this
design is seriously impressive. I do have one concern as to their plan
for reentry. Their plan from their website is as follows:

"During re-entry, which occurs at an altitude between 90 to 60km the
heat is radiated away from the hot aeroshell. Heat is prevented from
entering the vehicle by layers of reflecting foil and the low
conductivity shell support posts. Liquid hydrogen is evaporated in the
main tanks, passed through thermal screens to intercept the small
residual heat leak and then vented overboard."

Taking a quick look at their design shows a very slender body however
and I'd be suprised if they didn't have problems with too much heat
getting into their spaceship. They might have figured out a good way
to get there (to LEO) but they forgot how to get back. Anyone have any
thoughts on this?

Taking a quick look at their design shows a very slender body however
and I'd be suprised if they didn't have problems with too much heat
getting into their spaceship. They might have figured out a good way
to get there (to LEO) but they forgot how to get back. Anyone have any
thoughts on this?
Alan says that the bigger the wings, the less heat on the attacking surface.

The more lift, the longer and gentler the angle of reentry is, so the less
you're compressing the air in front of the craft because you are not punching
as rapidly down into thicker air.
I think that's how Skylon expects to get back.
^
//^\\
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