Press Release 22.05.2009

Lord Drayson, Minister for Science and Innovation, visits Reaction Engines Ltd

Lord Drayson, Minister for Science and Innovation, has paid a visit to Reaction Engines Ltd (REL) at Culham Science Centre in Oxfordshire. The Minister expressed his interest in the work of REL and in the future of reusable launch vehicles (RLVs), such as SKYLON.

Renowned Aerospace magazine Flight International was present at the visit and interviewed both the Minister and the Managing Director of REL. During the interview Lord Drayson noted that in the not too distant future “there is going to be a global question to be answered, which is, what is going to provide the next generation of Space launch vehicles?”

The Minister was impressed with REL’s SKYLON and believes it could be a viable technological alternative to expendable launch vehicles (ELVs)

Regarding the SKYLON project, Alan Bond, Managing Director of REL, commented that the project was receiving substantial private investment alongside the European Space Agency (ESA) funds.

He added: “REL look forward to developing SKYLON and working more closely with the British National Space Centre (BNSC) and ESA on this innovative and significant project.”

Watch the interview with the Minister for Science and Innovation, Lord Drayson, at: http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/hyperbola/2009/05/video-uk-government-space-mini.html

See the interview with Managing Director of Reaction Engines Ltd, Alan Bond, at: http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/hyperbola/2009/05/video-skylon-ssto-designer-ala.html

Notes

Lord Drayson visited REL on Friday 22 May 09.

Notes to editors:

1. Public domain images and video can be found
- For SKYLON and SABRE at - www.reactionengines.co.uk

Contacts:

Reaction Engines Limited
Building D5, Culham Science Centre, Reaction Engines Ltd,
tel +44 (0)1865 408314,
email: enquiries@reactionengines.co.uk.
Contact: Natalie.Allred, Public Communications Officer

BNSC
The British National Space Centre, Second Floor South, Polaris House, North Star Avenue, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN2 1SZ
Contact: Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) press office - Science and Innovation Desk
Tel: 0203 300 8881