Radian Single Stage to Orbit Space Plane

By Brian Wang

Radian Aerospace has $31 million of funding to develop a single stage to orbit spaceplane. It will use a 3000 meter long sled to get it up to launch speed. It will deliver 2.27 tons to anywhere on Earth in under one hour. It can land on a regular runway.

The Spaceplane will be about as long as a Boeing 787 and as wide as a 737.

The spaceplane is designed to be fully reusable for up to 100 missions. They plan a 48-hour turnaround time between flights and a 90-minute on-demand launch capability, significantly reducing costs and increasing mission flexibility.

Radian has begun testing a subscale prototype called PFV01, which shares the aerodynamic profile of their AV09 design. Recent taxi tests in Abu Dhabi have validated the company's aerodynamic analysis and control systems, paving the way for future high-speed tests.

Advanced Materials and Thermal Protection

Radian One will be constructed using carbon matrix composites and features an advanced thermal protection system. This system has undergone testing in partnership with NASA's Glenn Research Center, ensuring the vehicle can withstand the extreme temperatures of atmospheric reentry.

Propulsion Advancements

The latest design incorporates five rocket engines using methane and liquid oxygen as propellants, an upgrade from the previously planned LOX-kerosene mix. The engines are expected to provide more than 200,000 pounds of thrust each.