Ascender
Ascender is designed to be the first sub-orbital aeroplane since the X-15, and the first ever to carry passengers to space. It would start a sub-orbital space tourism business that would build up the credibility needed for full orbital tourism. It is based on a design included in a feasibility study for the European Space Agency. Four leading British aerospace companies took part in this study, Dowty Aerospace Limited, Dunlop Aerospace Limited, Pilkington Aerospace Limited and Ricardo Aerospace Limited. The UK Minister for Space commissioned an independent review of this study that "did not identify any fundamental flaws" in the concept.

Join the The Ascender Project! The Ascender Project http://www.bristolspaceplanes.com/club/ is a club designed for people who want to slash the cost of space access, help develop space tourism as an industry, and go to space themselves. If this sounds like you, pay a visit to the club homepage and join up!