The Lynx space shuttle is developed by XCOR Aerospace, who have been developing and researching propulsion systems for nine years.

Virgin Galactic announced it was looking for a SpaceShipTwo, after the success that the SpaceShipOne contest created, and the Lynx could provide heavy competition if it joined the contest. The two-seat space vehicle is capable of reaching outside the Earth’s atmosphere in mere 3 minutes, which will be fast enough to let plenty scientists amaze themselves with views only possible in documentaries and computer animations.

“We have designed this vehicle to operate much like a commercial aircraft. Its liquid fuel engines will provide the enhanced safety, durability, reliability and maintainability that keep operating costs low,” Greason said. “These engines will also minimize the impact of these flights on the environment,” Greason added. “They are fully reusable, burn cleanly, and release fewer particulates than solid fuel or hybrid rocket motors.”

Source: Gizmag