ScienceAugust 13, 2026
spaceplane
SPAYS-playn
Definition
A reusable aerospace vehicle that is capable of both atmospheric flight and orbital spaceflight, typically taking off and landing like an airplane.
Etymology
The word is a 20th-century compound formed by combining 'space' (from Latin 'spatium') and 'plane' (an aphetic form of 'airplane'). It emerged as space exploration progressed to describe hybrid craft designs.
In the news
The article uses the term to describe a potential vehicle technology that could make space travel more routine and accessible for tourists. It serves as a key alternative to traditional vertical-launch rockets.
The Future of Space Tourism: Will Ordinary People Ever Travel Beyond Earth?
Read the full article ↗Vocal