Radian Aerospace tested its vehicle as it moved down a runway and tried to get off the ground. This vehicle is expected to be able to perform horizontal launches and return from orbit by landing on an airfield.
First test
Radian Aerospace reported that it performed the first test of its spaceplane on September 25. The vehicle, called Radian One, is supposed to take off without the use of conventional launch vehicles, reach orbit, and then return with cargo and land on an airfield.
For now, its prototype, called PFV01, turned on its engines, drove on the runway at the Abu Dhabi airfield in the United Arab Emirates, and tried to “jump” up several times. All this was done to ensure that the vehicle obeyed the controls well.
Overall, Radian Aerospace representatives were very satisfied with the tests, which also included a check of the thermal protection system. The next step will be to move to a larger airfield and continue manufacturing.
What’s special about the spaceplane from Radian Aerospace?
The idea of an airplane that could take off from an airfield and reach orbit has disturbed engineers for decades. Radian Aerospace is far from the first company that promises to realize such a vehicle, but so far no one has ever presented a flight model.
Despite this, Radian Aerospace managed to raise $27.5 million in investment in early 2022. The concept they developed reproduces ideas popular many decades ago, but then rejected. According to it, Radian One will be accelerated on a carriage that will move along rails more than 3 kilometers long. They will give it an initial speed that is much greater than the usual speed that airplanes have at launch.
Then the jet boosters should be switched on, which will put the spaceplane into orbit. It is expected that in this way it will be possible to take up to 5 passengers or 2,270 kg of cargo. Back Radian will be able to return 4,540 kg.
According to spacenews.com
