SCIENCE DAWN
SCIENCE DAWN was a classified program, based on a 1982 Boeing proposal, to build a sled-launched horizontal-takeoff / horizontal-landing [HTHL] single stage to orbit [SSTO] launch vehicle. However, by 1986 it became clear that horizontal takeoff requirement was an inappropriate application of rocket thrust-to-weight ratio, which was better applied to vertical takeoff. Consequently, SCIENCE DAWN ended, and the focus transferred to SCIENCE REALM.
SOURCES
- Aviation Week & Space Technology October 11, 1993
http://www.fas.org/irp/mystery/science_dawn.htm
Created by John Pike
Maintained by Webmaster
Updated Wednesday, April 16, 1997
