SABRE-powered launch system beyond 2030
The Synergetic Air-Breathing Rocket Engine, SABRE, is being developed by Reaction Engines in the UK and has previously been supported by ESA. This engine could be used to power a horizontally launched vehicle using either a one- or two-stage-to-orbit concept. In both cases, the SABRE-powered first stage would be fully reusable.
During flight, SABRE is designed to reach hypersonic speed through Earth’s atmosphere before switching to rocket mode on the climb to orbit.
Flight trajectory
In air-breathing mode, the engine utilises ambient air to burn on-board fuel allowing it to reach speeds up to Mach 5.