The Criteria for a Space Plane

[Castille7]

I built an Aircraft and it can get to an Altitude of 43,000 but not able to achieve orbit, my question, would this still be considered a Space Plane?

Edited July 21, 2015 by castille7
Question Answered

[DeMatt]

In the Real World, there is no clear and precise end to Earth's atmosphere, so the definition for "space" is what everybody agrees on - generally the Kármán line.

In KSP, there is a clear and precise end to Kerbin's atmoshere, namely 70 kilometres altitude, where the physics engine stops applying atmospheric effects.

So, as far as I'm concerned, in order for it to be a "space" plane, it needs to reach space, and thus needs to be able to achieve an apoapsis of at least 70 km. Note that that's not "orbit", which would make the craft much more useful in a working space program, and is probably what people think of when they first think "space plane".

Edited November 30, 2015 by DeMatt
New forum formatting.

[Castille7]

In the Real World, there is no clear and precise end to Earth's atmosphere, so the definition for "space" is what everybody agrees on - generally the Kármán line.

In KSP, there is a clear and precise end to Kerbin's atmoshere, namely 70 kilometres altitude, where the physics engine stops applying atmospheric effects.

So, as far as I'm concerned, in order for it to be a "space" plane, it needs to reach space, and thus needs to be able to achieve an apoapsis of at least 70 km. Note that that's not "orbit", which would make the craft much more useful in a working space program, and is probably what people think of when they first think "space plane".

Wonderful! thank you, I will keep working on it, these space planes are very challenging for sure!

[Evanitis]

Well, getting to space with a plane isn't too hard - it can be done with minimal tech too. What generally considered challenging are SSTO planes (as in 'single stage to orbit'). Taking a considerable payload too is indeed pretty hard (and enjoyable), so as landing back on the KSC runway. The K-Prize is one of the most popular challenges.

Also, if you make a half-working SSTO and ask for help here, expect at least two pages of replies.

[Castille7]

Well, getting to space with a plane isn't too hard - it can be done with minimal tech too. What generally considered challenging are SSTO planes (as in 'single stage to orbit'). Taking a considerable payload too is indeed pretty hard (and enjoyable), so as landing back on the KSC runway. The K-Prize is one of the most popular challenges.

Also, if you make a half-working SSTO and ask for help here, expect at least two pages of replies.

When I said Space Plane that is what I had in mind an SSTO with stock only parts, thanks for the information and I will look into the K Prize, I love a good challenge, that's why I can't stop playing KSP!