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The British jet engine that failed in the 'Valley of Death' (www.bbc.com)
submitted 1 week 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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[-] AA5B@lemmy.world 0 points 1 week 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

[-] rah@hilariouschaos.com 0 points 1 week 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.

[-] AA5B@lemmy.world 0 points 1 week 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

[-] rah@hilariouschaos.com 1 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week 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?

[-] AA5B@lemmy.world 1 points 1 week 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

[-] rah@hilariouschaos.com 0 points 1 week ago

stagnation

Why do you see feeding and housing everyone as stagnation?

this post was submitted on 09 Jun 2025
13 points (88.2% liked)

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