HOTOL & Skylon: The Story of Britain’s Spaceplanes
Join the British Interplanetary Society for the launch of HOTOL & Skylon: The Story of Britain’s Spaceplanes, the new book by aerospace journalist and author Rob Coppinger.
The story of HOTOL and Skylon is one of a dream of aviation and spaceflight older than the Space Age itself. The case for a reusable launch vehicle—capable of reaching space with aircraft-like operations—has been clear since before Sputnik’s launch in 1957.
The proponents of reusability, including the designers behind HOTOL and Skylon, have had to contend with the short-term thinking that has often shaped investment in reusable spaceplane development. Reaction Engines was founded to carry forward that ambition: to achieve aircraft-like operations and realise the designs envisioned by its engineers. Their story is a powerful example of British ingenuity, imagination and perseverance in the face of adversity.
About the Event
At this special BIS event, Rob Coppinger will introduce his second book, explore the history and significance of Britain’s spaceplane programmes, and discuss the people, ideas and technological ambitions behind HOTOL and Skylon. There will also be an opportunity to purchase the book and have copies signed by the author.
About the Presenter
Rob Coppinger has been writing about aviation and aerospace since the year 2000. Formerly a project engineer in the automotive industry, Rob studied engineering to postgraduate level before entering industry. Changing careers to journalism in 2000, Rob has written about science and engineering across a range of sectors but has specialised in aviation and aerospace. He has written regularly for a number of leading aviation, aerospace and science titles and the BBC. Today, he is Editor of the British Interplanetary Society’s SpaceFlight magazine and a columnist for the Royal Aeronautical Society’s Aerospace magazine. His first book, The Rise & Fall of British Eagle: Harold Bamberg and the destruction of a challenger airline, was published in 2022. Rob lives in France.