Reaction Engines SABRE secures next stage of funding!!

CAT-THE-FIFTH · 13 Jul 2016 at 11:30

Excellent news:

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2016/07/13/sabre_hybrid_rocket_engine_ready_in_2020/

Schlong&Stable · 13 Jul 2016 at 11:37

I've been following this story for some time now and am really excited to see the progress. This is the sort of science the UK should be investing in. If we can be putting cargo in space at a fraction of the current cost it could open the door to all sorts; including easier travel to neighbouring planets.

Eurofighter · 13 Jul 2016 at 12:26

Sweet. Can't wait to go in to space.

Elrein · 13 Jul 2016 at 13:35

Eurofighter said:
Sweet. Can't wait to go in to space.

Apparently Tim Peake has been in space :|

Glaucus · 13 Jul 2016 at 13:39

Great news, just wish that it didn't take years for each small next step.
Wonder if its money or just sheer engeenering, wouldn't be surprised if its the former

CAT-THE-FIFTH · 13 Jul 2016 at 13:52

The UK Space Agency is investing £4.12m in a National Propulsion Test Facility, giving the UK a new facility for space technology testing:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-national-space-propulsion-facility

Glaucus · 13 Jul 2016 at 13:56

That's for low powered satilite engines, rather than things like the sabre.

CAT-THE-FIFTH · 13 Jul 2016 at 13:56

Glaucus said:
That's for low powered satilite engines, rather than things like the sabre.

I know,but its good to see more investment in the space area overall.

ChroniC · 13 Jul 2016 at 14:29

What stage would this be??
I had previously read they had overcome a problem with refigeration so as to not melt the internals. I had hoped that this was the final hurdle.

Anyone know whats holding them back now from putting one in the air?

Glaucus · 13 Jul 2016 at 14:36

It was the last technical hurdle.

They are now into building a ground based spread out version for testing. So all parts of the sabre but not packaged together.

Then a flight demonstration model.

Then hopefully production model.

doodah · 13 Jul 2016 at 14:51

This achievement alone :eek:

ESA has been closely involved with the development of key parts of the SABRE engine – notably the precoolers that are required to cool incoming air from 1,000°C (1,832°F) to –150°C (–238°F) in just a hundredth of a second, without icing up.

Devrij · 13 Jul 2016 at 14:51

That's nuts. Chilling 1000C air to - 150C in a hundredth of a second reliably has to be tricky

doodah · 13 Jul 2016 at 14:55

Wouldn't this be similar or an evolution of what the American military want? A way to deliver a payload anywhere in the world in ~60 minutes.

MooMoo444 · 13 Jul 2016 at 14:59

Devrij said:
That's nuts. Chilling 1000C air to - 150C in a hundredth of a second reliably has to be tricky

Just wait for when the technology filters down to PC cooling

Devrij · 13 Jul 2016 at 15:17

MooMoo444 said:
Just wait for when the technology filters down to PC cooling

Yes, I look forwards to having aerospace grade prechillers on my loop

StriderX · 13 Jul 2016 at 15:24

doodah said:
Wouldn't this be similar or an evolution of what the American military want? A way to deliver a payload anywhere in the world in ~60 minutes.

They already have projects of their own, just most have failed consistently (hypersonic missiles).

Diddums · 13 Jul 2016 at 15:49

This has existed for years, what are you lot talking about? Give me three boiled eggs and I'll show you.