Suborbital Spaceplane


A suborbital spaceplane is a reusable spacecraft designed to reach space but not achieve orbit around the Earth. It typically follows a parabolic trajectory, reaching an altitude between 80 and 100 kilometers above the Earth's surface before returning to Earth. Suborbital spaceplanes are designed to carry a small number of passengers or scientific payloads, and offer a relatively short period of weightlessness during the flight. They are often used for scientific research, technology development, and space tourism. Suborbital spaceplanes are distinct from orbital spaceplanes, which are designed to achieve orbit around the Earth and remain in space for an extended period of time.


Your Previous Searches
Random Picks

  • Microchips: In space and astronautical engineering, microchips refer to the small electronic circuits that are used in spacecraft and satellites for various purposes such as communication, navigation, data processing, and control. These microchips are ... Read More >>
  • Atmospheric Radiation Measurements Program (ARM): The Atmospheric Radiation Measurements Program (ARM) is a comprehensive program that focuses on improving the understanding and representation of clouds and radiative processes in climate and earth system models through the use of long-term ... Read More >>
  • Sleep Disturbances: Sleep disturbances refer to any disruptions or changes in the normal sleep pattern. In the context of space and astronautical engineering, sleep disturbances are a common issue experienced by astronauts during spaceflight. Factors such as m ... Read More >>
Top News

Check out this interactive map of the early universe, considered largest ever cr...

A team of astronomers have put together the largest, most detailed map of the universe ever created – and you can explore it now....

News Source: USA Today on 2025-06-12

The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is about to totally transform astronomy...

With the ability to scan the entire southern night sky every three days, the huge Vera C. Rubin Observatory could be about to start solving the mysteries of the universe, from dark matter to Planet Ni...

News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-12

Trump's proposed science cuts will have huge consequences...

The universe will still be there to marvel at, despite brutal cuts set to hit NASA and the National Science Foundation's budgets. But the damage to future research will be long-lasting, says Chanda Pr...

News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-11

Starlink satellites are leaking radio signals that may ruin astronomy...

Our ability to study faint radio signals from when the first stars began to form is being threatened by SpaceX's Starlink satellites, which seem to be unintentionally leaking radio signals that overpo...

News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-09

Asteroids around Venus pose possible 'invisible threat' to Earth: Should you be ...

A swarm of large asteroids likely lurking around Venus could one day pose an "invisible threat" to Earth if left unchecked, astronomers have warned....

News Source: USA Today on 2025-06-06