Originally Posted by
Australopithecus
So maybe by 2100, but by then the zero carbon reality will make such a thing impossible, to say nothing of the enormous costs and all the other hurdles. Actually, I am sure that the technology exists right now to make such a plane, but there isn’t a commercial market for more than a handful. As far as the space vehicle launch platform goes, I would like to see how you could go hypersonic with that much drag and aerodynamic interactions.
Perhaps, but 60 years ago, commercial air travel was the domain of the rich - middle class people couldn't afford it. Today, technology has reduced the costs to the point that only the poor can't afford the occasional trip by air.
Who knows what the next 100 years may bring.