(From DOC report, Oct 2002)

Vehicle:	Ascender
Developer:	Bristol Spaceplanes Ltd., UK

The Ascender operates similar to an aircraft, taking off and landing horizontally with existing jet engines, and operating out of, and integrating with, conventional airports and the current air traffic control system. The aerodynamics, structure, engines and systems are all based on those of existing airplanes or launchers. The Ascender is powered by two jet engines and one rocket engine, enabling it to reach altitudes of 62 miles (100 km).

The Ascender takes off from a conventional airport with its two jet engines, and climbs to a height of 26,000 ft. The rocket engine is then ignited, and accelerates the vehicle in a steep climb to a speed of Mach 2.8. The Ascender then coasts to a maximum height of 62 miles (100 km). The vehicle returns to the airport under the power of its jet engines.

Performance
Payload Capability:	2 passengers/ 440 lbs
Logistics
Turnaround Time:	1 week (a few hours once the vehicle is mature)
Potential Launch Sites:	Any conventional runway
Configuration-Airframe
No. Crew:	2
Length:	44.9 ft
Wingspan:	25.9 ft
Gross Weight:	9,900 lbs
Propellant Weight:	5,000 lbs
Rocket Propellant Type:	Hydrogen/LOX
Configuration-Engine
Jet Engines:	Number: 2, Turbofan, Williams-Rolls FJ44, Sea Level Thrust: 2,300 lbs per engine
Rocket Engine:	Number: 1, Pratt & Whitney RL-10, Sea Level Thrust: 14,000 lbs

Ascender would lead to a fully orbital spaceplane called Spacecab. Development of the Spacecab would lead to the larger Spacebus, which would carry 50 people to orbit.

The Space Adventures sub-orbital spaceflight program may use the Ascender sub-orbital vehicle, or other vehicles as they become available.