SSTO Spaceplane Design Printable Model 3D print model

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Designers will recognize this concept for an SSTO spaceplane, calculated to achieve orbital flight using 28 methane-powered engines with a 16-meter wingspan. The lifting body's dimensions allow for approximately 3000 kilograms to be lifted into low Earth orbit or 1000 kilograms into geostationary orbit, making it fully reusable. To accommodate printable scaling, the aerodynamics model was modified slightly; full-scale printing retained rudder fins and engine bells due to thickened geometry. A deliberately simple design was implemented for lower-side geometry, facilitating easier manufacture of a single-piece heatshield. Key characteristics of this design include an exceptionally light wingload and area ratio, aimed at minimizing reentry temperatures through aerodynamic adaptation during both phases. With the capacity to operate across an extended angle-of-attack (AOA) range, this spaceplane achieves high AOAs during intense hot phases for heat-flow reduction while efficiently gliding at lower AOA levels, expanding its landing capabilities and increasing cross-range flight possibilities.