Star-Raker

Star-Raker is a giant HTHL SSTO spaceplane purposed by Rockwell International to create a network of solar power satellites. Early studies by Rockwell indicated that a Horizontal Takeoff, Horizontal Landing (HTHL) single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) spacecraft was not possible and a HTHL two-stage-to-orbit (TSTO) design was better, but changed their minds by the late 1970s with new materials and the "wet wing" design. Star-raker was said to have carried double the payload of the Boeing Reusable Aerodynamic Space Vehicle concept for a HTHL SSTO spacecraft.
Category:Spacecraft