Skylon space plane gets a thumbs-up (images)

 Following the review, the report released by the European Space Agency on May 6, 2011, backed continued development of the Skylon design for initial testing. The report stated that "the overall concept and structural design work undertaken by REL does not demonstrate any areas of implausibility, given the relatively benign environment of the flight trajectory. It is believed that concept maturity in this area can be achieved rapidly through sophisticated CAD and FEM analysis, CFD modelling, and subscale tunnel tests." 

Many years of research and development are still needed in order to achieve flight, but with the backing of initial private investment, and the green light for continued development by regulatory commissions, Reaction Engines Limited is in a position to revolutionize commercial space flight.