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submitted 2 days ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

Richard Varvill reflects on the emotional collapse of Reaction Engines, a UK aerospace firm that developed cutting-edge heat exchanger tech for hypersonic flight.

Originating from the 1980s Hotol project, the company came close to success but failed in late 2024 due to a lack of funding, despite promising tech and support from major investors like Rolls-Royce.

Staff were devastated, with many in tears during the final announcement. Former team members take pride in the innovation and culture, though regret the mission remains unfinished.

The company’s closure highlights the harsh reality of funding gaps in long-term aerospace ventures

“we failed because we ran out of money.”

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[-] [email protected] 10 points 2 days ago

i really wanted a spaceplane, guess we can't have nice things

[-] [email protected] 2 points 2 days ago

Yes, but you can have 14.768 types of smartphones and colourful stickers. Isn't it better?

[-] [email protected] 3 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

it also said in the article

What lessons can we draw for other high-tech ventures? "You definitely have no choice but to be optimistic," says Mr Dissel.

it makes sense why people hype up tech, if they all remain down to earth then they won't get any where, i hope more people on internet understood this

a similar adage was said by the planned obsolesce of bulb video of a scientist

[-] [email protected] 1 points 2 days ago

but they also stated that

The grim procedure of winding down the business took over as passwords and laptops were collected while servers were backed up in case "some future incarnation of the business can be preserved".

which means maybe there is chance someone might pick it up in future

[-] [email protected] -4 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

Here's an idea: why not take care of people's basic needs like water, food and shelter, and then build a spaceplane?

[-] [email protected] 8 points 2 days ago

That’s not a trade off.

Taking care of people basic needs is not a technology problem or even a resources problem. It’s political, economic, corruption, logistics, whatever variation decides who gets what and how it gets there. We already have the resources and technology to do this

Advanced research projects have no effect on whether the politico-economic system takes care of people’s basic needs. It does, however, help advance society, enhance our capabilities, create new opportunities to improve our lives

[-] [email protected] -3 points 2 days ago

We already have the resources and technology to do this

But not the will. Because people are focused on building spaceplanes instead of focused on what matters.

[-] [email protected] 4 points 2 days ago

Not at all. The people who are motivated by advancing technology, aren’t motivated to overcome corruption, incline equality, to replace economic systems, etc.

All you’d be doing is stifling innovation, improvement, a reason for hope in the future, for ….. the same unmet needs, but now with less hope

[-] [email protected] 1 points 21 hours ago* (last edited 21 hours ago)

The people who are motivated by advancing technology, aren’t motivated to overcome corruption, incline equality, to replace economic systems, etc.

That seems a bit presumptuous. Why do you think people who are motivated to advance technology aren't motivated to overcome corruption, etc.?

All you’d be doing is stifling innovation, improvement, a reason for hope in the future

I disagree. I don't see why focussing on feeding and housing people implies stifling innovation. And do you not see feeding and housing everyone to be an improvement and a reason for hope in the future?

[-] [email protected] 1 points 21 hours ago

I don’t see it as a zero sum game. On the contrary, I see advancing science and technology as an investment in our future that makes it easier to take care of our people, and stagnation as making it harder to care for our people

[-] [email protected] -1 points 21 hours ago

stagnation

Why do you see feeding and housing everyone as stagnation?

[-] [email protected] 2 points 20 hours ago

Stop being obtuse. Giving up advancements in science and technology is stagnation. Thinking it’s a good idea to not do anything until people are fed and housed is stagnation. Again, it’s not a zero sum game. Those unfed and unhoused people are not that way because of investments in technology and science, and not doing those things will not affect those people

Focus your nonsense on corruption, exploitation, capitalistic excess, income disparities and most of all elected people with empathy ….. that are the cause and could help

[-] [email protected] 0 points 19 hours ago

Giving up advancements in science and technology is stagnation.

That's not what I'm suggesting. I'm suggesting giving up some particular, potential advancements in science and tecnology, which is a whole different kettle of fish and does not imply stagnation.

Thinking it’s a good idea to not do anything until people are fed and housed is stagnation.

Why do you think that?

[-] [email protected] 2 points 2 days ago

A few people are focused on this tech, the majority of people who are in a position or job that can in fact end world hunger are held back for reasons.

[-] [email protected] 1 points 2 days ago

“we failed because we ran out of money.”

This is because of the growing disparity in wealth.

Capitalism does not incentivize innovation.

this post was submitted on 09 Jun 2025
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