Reaction Engines Ltd : News Update

News Update - June 2011
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Company News
Commencement of Pre-cooler Heat Exchanger Testing Process The testing process for the pre-cooler heat exchanger technology began this month. Over the past few months, the B9 test site has been stripped down and the dummy pre-cooler has been removed and placed in storage. The Viper jet engine has been refurbished in preparation for the testing. The pipe runs for both the helium loop and N2 supply have been tested. The helium loop instrumentation and control for the operation of the valves are also in place.		Click for larger image.



UK Propulsion Workshop The UK Space Agency and the Technology Strategy Board organised a Workshop on space propulsion, held at the International Space Innovation Centre at Harwell on 15 June 2011. The Workshop reviewed recent developments in propulsion technologies, looked at future spacecraft mission profiles and the propulsion technologies needed to fulfil these missions, and assessed the current state of UK industrial propulsion capabilities. Alan Bond gave a presentation on “UK launch vehicle propulsion technologies”. The UK was once one of the “Big Three”, together with the United States and the (then) Soviet Union, but the UK opted out of launcher development in the early 1970’s. The development of SKYLON and its associated SABRE engine would revolutionise the means of access to space, re-establish the UK as a leading player in launch vehicle propulsion, and provide employment and support to the UK economy. As part of a session on the review of current and planned UK propulsion industrial capabilities, James Macfarlane of Airborne Engineering described the work that the company is involved in, including important contributions to the SABRE programme. Overall, the Workshop was helpful in identifying key propulsion technologies and capabilities that the UK needs to maintain and develop in order to grow a strong competitive position in spacecraft propulsion.



General News UK Space Agency Report on the development of the SKYLON Spaceplane The report stated that there were “no impediments” to the further development of the SKYLON Spaceplane. See the report here: There has been significant media coverage in response to this statement and report released on 24th May. Jonathan Amos at BBC News Online released two extensive articles on the report: • UK SKYLON Spaceplane passes key review • SKYLON: Ending 40 years of hurt The Engineer online and The Register have also covered the story: • SKYLON development given go ahead by UKSA • SKYLON spaceplane seems perfectly possible



A New Arrival Stuart Webb, Technical Designer at REL, and his wife Tammie have a new baby boy named Hanley. Congratulations from all at REL to them both and their son Zekiel.