Airbus Defence and Space Completes SpacePlane Demonstrator Tests

Airbus Defence and Space has released video of tests conducted between May 1-4 this year of a quarter-scale SpacePlane demonstrator. According to Airbus Defence and Space the tests validated the dynamic flight conditions encountered in the end-of-flight phase following a return from space.
The tests were supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board and took place 100 kilometers off the coast of Singapore and involved a fleet of seven ships.

The demonstrator was built in partnership with HOPE Technik and Airbus Group Innovations.

The SpacePlane demonstrator was released at a height of around 3,000 metres. It was then piloted from the barge as it made its return to the ground, ending its flight at sea before being picked up as planned a few hours later.