/sci/ - Science & Math

Is it "cheating" if you build an SSTO spaceplane with hydrogen main engines assisted by RP1 engines that shut off around halfway to orbit?

Post your favorite unbuilt spaceplane designs.

>>15010880

/sfg/ may be biased against spaceplanes but I'm becoming increasingly convinced that the USSF is going to need a "space huey" light multirole manned orbiter like the Hermes.

Obviously the booster stage of rocket it would be mated to would self recover Falcon 9 style.

Hell, I've already pondered the idea of a 3 stage to orbit system using a lot of stock Falcon 9 tech. First stage uses 13 Merlin D's and self recovers on a return pad near the launch site or downrange. Second stage uses 5 Merlin D's and self recovers on a return pad further down range, and the third stage would be the Not-Hermes orbiter.