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Was There a British Spacecraft Hermes?
Introduction
The history of space exploration is full of milestones and near-misses, as nations and organizations strive to reach the final frontier. While some missions have become famous or infamous, others remain obscure or forgotten.
One such mission is the proposed British spacecraft called Hermes, which aimed to launch in the 1980s but never got off the ground. In this article, we will explore the background, design, and legacy of Hermes, and ask why it did not fly.
Background
In the 1960s and 1970s, Britain was a minor player in space activities compared to the United States and the Soviet Union. However, it had some successes, such as launching its first satellite (Ariel 1) in 1962 and participating in the European Space Agency (ESA) from its inception in 1975. Nevertheless, some British scientists and politicians felt that their country needed a more ambitious and independent space program.
In 1977, a report by a government-appointed committee recommended that Britain should develop a manned spacecraft capable of docking with ESA’s Spacelab module on NASA’s Space Shuttle. The proposed spacecraft was named “Hermes” after the Greek god of commerce and communication, who was also known for his speed.
Design
The Hermes spacecraft was designed by British Aerospace (now BAE Systems) with support from other companies such as Rolls-Royce and Matra Marconi Space (now Airbus Defence and Space). It was intended to be launched on top of an Ariane rocket from ESA’s spaceport in French Guiana.
The Hermes spacecraft had several features that distinguished it from other manned spacecraft designs at that time:
- It was smaller and lighter than the Space Shuttle, with a crew of two or three.
- It had a reusable winged vehicle that could glide back to Earth for landing on a runway, like an airplane.
- It had a modular design that allowed for different payloads and missions, such as scientific experiments, technology demonstrations, or military surveillance.
- It had an innovative heat shield made of carbon-carbon composite material that could withstand the high temperatures generated by reentry into the atmosphere.
The Hermes spacecraft also had some limitations and challenges:
- It required new technologies and manufacturing processes that were not yet mature or affordable.
- It faced competition from other ESA projects such as the Columbus module for Spacelab and the Hermes-inspired mini-shuttle called “Hopper” proposed by Germany.
- It depended on political and financial support from Britain, which fluctuated due to austerity measures, industrial disputes, and changing priorities.
Legacy
The Hermes spacecraft never flew due to a combination of technical, economic, and political factors. However, its legacy can be seen in several ways:
- It inspired some British engineers and scientists to pursue careers in space-related fields or to work on other projects such as Skylon or Reaction Engines.
- It contributed to the development of new materials, systems, and concepts that could be useful for future space missions or terrestrial applications.
- It demonstrated the potential of international cooperation in space exploration through ESA’s programs and partnerships with non-European countries such as Russia, Japan, Canada, and the United States.
Conclusion
The story of Hermes is a reminder that space exploration is not only about reaching new heights but also about facing challenges and making choices. While some missions succeed and some fail, they all contribute to the collective knowledge and experience of humanity. Perhaps one day, a British spacecraft will fly to space and beyond, inspired by Hermes or other dreams of the past.