# Skylon

> single-stage-to-orbit spaceplane

**Wikidata**: [Q618985](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q618985)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skylon_(spacecraft))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/skylon

## Summary
Skylon is a single-stage-to-orbit spaceplane concept developed by Reaction Engines Limited in the United Kingdom. It is designed as a reusable spacecraft capable of launching payloads directly into orbit without jettisoning stages. The project builds upon the earlier HOTOL program and aims to revolutionize space access through fully reusable technology.

## Key Facts
- Developer: Reaction Engines Limited (UK)
- Based on: HOTOL program
- First flight target: 2020 (projected)
- Status: Concept/prototype stage (0 units produced)
- Classification: Single-stage-to-orbit spaceplane, reusable spacecraft
- Native label: Skylon
- Wikipedia title: Skylon (spacecraft)
- Wikimedia sitelink count: 23
- Available in 9 Wikipedia languages: ar, ca, commons, de, en, eo, es, et, fa, fi

## FAQs
### Q: What is Skylon?
A: Skylon is a single-stage-to-orbit spaceplane concept developed by Reaction Engines Limited in the United Kingdom. It is designed to be a fully reusable spacecraft that can launch directly into orbit without jettisoning any stages.

### Q: Who is developing Skylon?
A: Skylon is being developed by Reaction Engines Limited, a UK-based company that also designed the spacecraft. The project builds upon the earlier HOTOL program.

### Q: Has Skylon flown yet?
A: No, Skylon has not flown yet. The first flight was targeted for 2020, but as of the latest available information, no units have been produced or flown.

## Why It Matters
Skylon represents a potential paradigm shift in space access technology by aiming to achieve true single-stage-to-orbit capability with a reusable spaceplane. Unlike traditional multi-stage rockets that discard components during ascent, Skylon is designed to launch and return as a single integrated vehicle, which could dramatically reduce launch costs and increase flight frequency. The project builds on decades of aerospace research and could enable more sustainable and economical access to space if successfully developed. Its SABRE engine technology, which combines jet and rocket propulsion, represents a novel approach to overcoming the traditional limitations of single-stage-to-orbit vehicles. If realized, Skylon could transform how satellites, cargo, and potentially crew are delivered to orbit, making space more accessible for commercial and scientific applications.

## Notable For
- Single-stage-to-orbit capability without jettisoning stages
- Fully reusable design intended to reduce launch costs
- Development of SABRE engine technology combining jet and rocket propulsion
- UK-originated spaceplane concept building on HOTOL heritage
- Potential to enable more frequent and economical space access

## Body
### Development Background
Skylon emerged from the United Kingdom's efforts to develop advanced space access technologies. The project directly builds upon the HOTOL (Horizontal Take-Off and Landing) program, which was an earlier British initiative to create a single-stage-to-orbit spaceplane. Reaction Engines Limited took over the development work after HOTOL's cancellation, refining the concept into what became Skylon.

### Technical Design
The spacecraft is designed as a single integrated vehicle capable of reaching orbit without staging. This approach contrasts with conventional rockets that discard stages during ascent. The design incorporates advanced propulsion technology, specifically the SABRE (Synergistic Air-Breathing Rocket Engine) engine, which is intended to operate efficiently across a wide range of speeds and altitudes.

### Current Status
As of the latest available information, Skylon remains in the concept and development phase. No physical units have been produced (total produced: 0), and the first flight target of 2020 has not been achieved. The project continues to advance through research, testing of key technologies, and design refinement.

### Classification and Recognition
Skylon is classified as both a spaceplane and a reusable spacecraft in knowledge bases. It has been documented across multiple Wikipedia language editions and maintains a presence in Wikimedia projects, indicating ongoing interest in the concept within the aerospace community.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. KBpedia