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Results from an ESA-funded study show the proposed trajectory of a two-stage-to-orbit reusable launch vehicle concept powered by the Synergetic Air-Breathing Rocket Engine, SABRE.
During flight, SABRE is designed to reach hypersonic speed through Earth’s atmosphere before switching to rocket mode on the climb to orbit. In air-breathing mode, the engine utilises ambient air to burn on-board fuel allowing it to reach speeds up to Mach 5. At an altitude of about 25 km, SABRE would then switch to rocket mode turning to an onboard source of oxidiser and fuel with which to continue its ascent.
In a two-stage launch system the upper stage carrying the payload would be released at an altitude of about 150 km to continue its path to orbit while the first stage would return to land on Earth for reuse.
Reaction Engines conducted this study supported by ArianeGroup and Bryce Space & Technology.