The dream of traveling from New York to Sydney in just one hour is edging closer to reality. Companies like Sierra Space and Radian Aerospace are developing spaceplanes, vehicles capable of reaching speeds of nearly 18,000 mph. These innovations could soon transform not just space tourism but also global travel, slashing flight times dramatically.
Unlike traditional jets that depend on atmospheric oxygen, spaceplanes carry their own oxidizers and use rocket engines to propel into Low Earth Orbit (LEO). This allows them to maintain speeds of at least 17,400 mph, overcoming Earth’s gravity. “We’re on the brink of a new era in aviation,” said Tom Vice, CEO of Sierra Space. “The ability to travel across continents in under 90 minutes will change everything—from business to leisure.”
Cutting-edge designs and promising milestones
Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser, initially developed for NASA, is in its final testing phase. Expected to fly later this year, it will first focus on cargo missions to private space stations, with long-term plans for passenger travel. Meanwhile, Radian Aerospace has tested a scaled-down version of its Radian One spaceplane, designed for rapid reuse and commercial flights by 2030.
These spaceplanes combine rocket propulsion with the flexibility of aircraft wings, enabling smooth altitude and direction adjustments. Unlike conventional rockets, they can land quietly on standard runways. This versatility could make space-based point-to-point travel a mainstream option sooner than expected. “The key is reusability and efficiency,” said Richard Humphrey, CEO of Radian Aerospace. “Our goal is to cut travel times drastically without the infrastructure demands of rockets.”
Redefining Global Travel and Business
The potential impact of spaceplanes extends beyond tourism. A flight from New York to Sydney, which now takes over 20 hours, could be completed in just one hour. Analysts estimate that the ultra-fast travel market could exceed $20 billion annually by 2035. With at least six private space stations in development, companies are racing to tap into this emerging market.
Experts believe that these innovations could redefine business travel, enabling executives to attend multiple international meetings in a single day.
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