# Hopper

> proposed ESA orbital spaceplane

**Wikidata**: [Q451569](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q451569)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hopper_(spacecraft))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/hopper

## Summary
Hopper is a proposed orbital spaceplane developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) as part of the Future European Space Transportation Investigations Programme (FESTIP). It was designed to explore reusable spaceflight technologies but remained in the conceptual phase. The project focused on horizontal takeoff and landing capabilities, aiming to reduce the cost of accessing space.

## Key Facts
- **Developer**: European Space Agency (ESA).
- **Part of**: FESTIP (Future European Space Transportation Investigations Programme).
- **Classification**: Proposed orbital spaceplane, subclass of spaceplane.
- **Status**: Never progressed beyond the proposal stage.
- **Design Focus**: Horizontal launch and landing (HLL) technology.
- **Wikidata ID**: Q15241312 (freebase ID: /m/045qpz).
- **Sitelink Count**: 8 Wikipedia language entries (including English, German, and Japanese).

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of the Hopper spaceplane?
A: The Hopper was designed to test reusable spaceflight technologies, particularly horizontal takeoff and landing methods, to lower the cost of orbital access.

### Q: Was the Hopper ever built or launched?
A: No, the Hopper remained a conceptual proposal and was not constructed or tested.

### Q: How does Hopper relate to other ESA projects?
A: It was part of the FESTIP initiative, which explored various reusable launcher concepts to succeed the Ariane rocket program.

## Why It Matters
Hopper represents an early effort by the ESA to develop reusable spaceflight systems, a critical area of research for sustainable access to space. While the concept was never realized, it contributed to ongoing discussions about reducing launch costs through innovative designs like horizontal takeoff and landing. The project reflects the ESA’s commitment to exploring next-generation space technologies, even if they do not reach fruition. Hopper’s legacy lies in its role as a case study for future spaceplane proposals, influencing later ESA initiatives focused on reusability and cost efficiency.

## Notable For
- **Horizontal Launch/Landing Design**: Emphasized runway-based operations for reusability.
- **FESTIP Involvement**: A key component of ESA’s 1990s-era reusable launcher studies.
- **First ESA Spaceplane Proposal**: One of the agency’s earliest forays into spaceplane concepts.
- **Influence on Later Research**: Contributed to long-term ESA goals for sustainable space transportation.

## Body

### Overview
Hopper was a conceptual orbital spaceplane proposed by the ESA in the 1990s under the FESTIP framework. The project aimed to investigate reusable launch systems capable of horizontal takeoff and landing (HLL), akin to conventional aircraft. This approach contrasted with traditional vertical launch methods, seeking to minimize operational costs through repeated use.

### Development Under FESTIP
- **Programme Context**: FESTIP (1992–1999) evaluated multiple reusable launcher concepts, including the Hopper, to identify viable successors to the Ariane rocket family.
- **Technical Focus**: Studies centered on aerodynamics, thermal protection systems, and propulsion configurations suitable for spaceplanes.
- **Collaboration**: Involved partnerships with European aerospace industries and research institutions.

### Design and Capabilities
- **Proposed Features**: 
  - Winged body design for atmospheric flight.
  - Potential use of air-breathing engines for initial ascent phases.
  - Reusability through runway landings.
- **Mission Profile**: Envisioned as a fully reusable orbital vehicle for crewed or uncrewed missions.

### Legacy
Though Hopper was not developed beyond the proposal stage, it informed subsequent ESA research into reusable systems, such as the Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle (IXV) and future spaceplane concepts. The project underscored the challenges and opportunities in transitioning from expendable rockets to sustainable, cost-effective space transportation solutions.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013