# Sub-Orbital Spacecraft Concepts This ISRO Spaceplane Will Reduce the Cost of Launching Payloads By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2016-01-22 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spaceplane References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/india-spaceplane-launch-delay/41087/) & [isro.gov.in](http://www.isro.gov.in/technology-development-programmes/reusable-launch-vehicle-technology-demonstration-program-rlv-td) The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to demonstrate the Reusable Launch Vehicle-Technology Demonstrator or RLV-TD spaceplane, an experimental sub-orbital spacecraft that is similar to the American Air Force's X-37B. This spaceplane is designed to significantly and drastically tone down the cost of launching payloads into orbit from the earth. Whereas this previously cost as much as $5,000 per kilogram, the RLV-TD could help bring the cost down all the way to a ridiculously low $500. The winged craft will be capable of coasting along at an altitude of around 100 km before making a gradual and controlled re-entry. The RLV-TD isn't just a technological marvel in and of itself, but it could go a long way towards making space launches less expensive and by extension, more accessible to a wider range of players. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.2/10 - Popularity: 43% | Activity: 16% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Science](https://www.trendhunter.com/science) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Reusable Launch Vehicles:** The development of reusable launch vehicles like the RLV-TD creates an opportunity for cost-effective space launches. - **Reducing Launch Costs:** The RLV-TD could significantly reduce the cost of launching payloads into orbit, making space more accessible. - **Spaceplane Technology:** The development of spaceplanes opens up possibilities for sub-orbital spacecraft and controlled re-entry. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Space Exploration:** The space exploration industry can benefit from the disruptive innovation of reusable launch vehicles and reduced launch costs. - **Aerospace Technology:** The aerospace industry can leverage spaceplane technology to develop more efficient and cost-effective means of reaching space. - **Satellite Communication:** The satellite communication industry stands to benefit from lowered launch costs, enabling more affordable deployment of communication satellites. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [3D-Printed Space-Exploration Rockets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/x-bow-launch-systems.md) - [Hypersonic Launch Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/launch-vehicle.md) - [Eco-Friendly Nano Satellites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/orbex-prime.md) - [Space Tourism Travels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/balloon-spacecraft.md) - [Space Tourism Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/space-perspective-1.md) - [Progressive Air-Breathing Satellites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sabresat.md) - [3D-Printed Orbital Rockets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/phoenix-engine.md) - [Accessible Space Travel Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/space-elevator-concept.md) - [Hydrogen-Powered Hypersonic Airplanes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sky-magnetar.md)