FUTURE
THE FUTURE
Many industry experts believe that point-to-point air travel is in our rather near future. This method of travel, which utilizes horizontal launch vehicles, would allow passengers to span the globe in less than ONE (1) hour, as opposed to the current time of 16 hours. These aircraft incorporate supersonic, hypersonic, and hydrogen-powered technologies for flight.
Already licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for horizontal launch and landing activities, Exploration Spaceport at Space Coast Regional Airport boasts a 7,300-foot runway, which will accommodate several of this type of vehicle. Although that does not provide enough runway length for certain aircraft, there are several supersonic craft that could launch from and land at Exploration Spaceport. Moreover, if demand for such vehicles increases, and that results in demand for longer runways, then funding agencies could potentially consider grants for runway extensions in the future.
SUPERSONIC VEHICLES
Company | Vehicle | Launch | Runway Length | Status | Image |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BOEING | F/A-18E/F SUPER HORNET | HORIZONTAL | TAKEOFF - 5,200’ LANDING - 5,150’ | ACTIVE | |
BOEING | EA-18G GROWLER | HORIZONTAL | TAKEOFF – 2,700.1’ LANDING – 2,099.7’ | ACTIVE | |
BOOM SUPERSONIC | XB - 1 | NOT KNOWN | NOT KNOWN | ACTIVE | |
LOCKHEED MARTIN | F-35 LIGHTNING II | HYBRID | 8,000’ MIN 7,000’ TODA | ACTIVE | |
LOCKHEED MARTIN | F-104 STARFIGHTER | HORIZONTAL | 4,000’ | RETIRED FROM MILITARY SERVICE ONLY |
HYPERSONIC VEHICLES
Company | Vehicle | Launch | Runway Length | Status | Image |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BOEING | X-37B | HORIZONTAL | NOT KNOWN | ACTIVE | |
SIERRA SPACE | DREAM CHASER | HORIZONTAL | MIN 10,000 FEET | ACTIVE | |
STRATOLAUNCH | TALON-A | HORIZONTAL | MIN 12,000 FEET | ACTIVE |
LOW EARTH ORBIT (LEO) VEHICLES
Company | Vehicle | Launch | Runway Length | Status | Image |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BLUE ORIGIN | NEW SHEPHARD | VERTICAL | N/A – LAUNCH PAD | ACTIVE | |
DAWN AEROSPACE | MK-II AURORA | HORIZONTAL | NOT KNOWN | ACTIVE | |
LOCKHEED MARTIN | ORION | VERTICAL | N/A – LAUNCH PAD | ACTIVE | |
SPACE X | DRAGON | VERTICAL | N/A – LAUNCH PAD | ACTIVE | |
SPACE X | STARSHIP | VERTICAL | N/A – LAUNCH PAD | ACTIVE | |
VIRGIN GALACTIC | VSS UNITY | HORIZONTAL | NOT KNOWN | ACTIVE | |
VIRGIN GALACTIC (THE SPACESHIP COMPANY) | SPACESHIP TWO | HORIZONTAL | NOT KNOWN | ACTIVE |