China
is developing a space plane that’ll go from runway to orbit and back
down again at hypersonic speeds, reports Popular Science. When it is
completed, the hypersonic space plane will boost the Asian country to
the forefront of the aerospace industry — eclipsing the capabilities of
the now retired Space Shuttle and competing with the cutting-edge
British Skylon.
The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CATSC) is
mining the best talent and technology in the aerospace field to create
the next generation hybrid plane and spacecraft. The space plane will
use a combined cycle engine that allows it to take off from an airport
landing strip and blast into orbit.
BUT, WAIT
