List of spaceplanes

A Spaceplane is a craft that is able to fly in the atmosphere like an aeroplane and is also able to reach space and manoeuvre as a spacecraft where conventional aerodynamic controls lose their effectiveness. Most are only capable of sub-orbital space flight.

TypeCountryClassRoleDateStatusNotes
ASSETUSRocket launchExperimental1963PrototypeUnmanned reentry test vehicle.
Boeing X-20 Dyna-SoarUSRocket launchExperimental1963ProjectManned.
BOR-4USSRRocket launchExperimental1982PrototypeUnmanned reentry test vehicle.
Buran ShuttleUSSRRocket launchUtility1988PrototypeManned orbiter, launched by the Energia rocket. Only one unmanned flight made.
HOTOLUKSSOUtility1988ProjectProposed airbreathing rocket engine.
Interim HOTOLUKAir launchUtility1991ProjectLaunched from the Antonov An-225 Mriya, the Buran air lift carrier aircraft.
Martin X-23 PRIMEUSRocket launchExperimental1966PrototypeUnmanned atmospheric re-entry test vehicle
North American X-15USAir launchExperimental1959Prototype3 built. Air-dropped from a Boeing B-52.
Sanger SilbervogelGermanyCompositeBomber1944ProjectSub-orbital. Mock up and wind tunnel models only.
Scaled Composites SpaceShipOneUSCompositeTransport2004Prototypefirst civilian-funded reusable spacecraft, lifted by White Knight to about 14 km
Scaled Composites SpaceShipTwoUSCompositeTransport2010PrototypeFor Virgin Galactic commercial testing.
Space ShuttleUSRocket launchUtility1981DecommissionedManned orbiter.
XCOR Lynx (formerly Xerus)USSSOExperimental2008ProjectSuborbital. Horizontal takeoff and landing.

See also

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