This section covers re-usuable space craft that will take us to space in the future.

If space is to be open for ordinary people, it must be much cheaper than the current rates. To do this, the space vehicles used are the ultimate solution. Fortunately, today's designers think only in terms of cost and reusability. Idealy, the spacecraft must be Reusable and follow a Single Stage operation. Currently, the only reusable launch vehicle(RLV) is the US space shuttle. Even it is expensive to run. NASA and Lockheed Martin were working on its replacement, the Venture Star. Which was a single stage vehicle. X-33 was its prototype model. However, costs escalation forced cancellation of the project. The Shuttle is due for a replacement in 2012.

There are many ideas in the industry that have never made it beyond the drawing board. Making rockets is expensive business, which makes the whole industry conservative in accepting new designs. Most of the players are government organisations (including NASA) which only helps in slowing the process further.

In the 1990s, many new 'startups' lead by people with illustrious careers sprung up, and a host of new ideas flooded the industry. However, most have till now, remained on paper and only a few select comapanies have been able to do some 'real' work.

DC-X

Baikal

Space Shuttle Vs Buran