this post was submitted on 09 Jun 2025
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Technology

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The British jet engine that failed in the 'Valley of Death' (www.bbc.com)
submitted 1 day ago by Allah@lemm.ee to c/technology@lemmy.world
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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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[–] rah@hilariouschaos.com -3 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) (1 children)

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

[–] AA5B@lemmy.world 6 points 1 day ago (1 children)

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

[–] rah@hilariouschaos.com -2 points 1 day ago (2 children)

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.

[–] AA5B@lemmy.world 4 points 1 day 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

[–] Blaster_M@lemmy.world 2 points 1 day 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.