A
spaceplane is an
aerospace vehicle that operates as an
aircraft in Earth's atmosphere, as well as a
spacecraft when it is in
space. It combines features of an aircraft and a spacecraft, which can be thought of as an aircraft that can endure and maneuver in the vacuum of space or likewise a spacecraft that can fly like an airplane. Typically, it takes the form of a spacecraft equipped with
wings, although
lifting bodies have been designed and tested as well. The propulsion to reach space may be purely rocket based or may use the assistance of
airbreathing jet engines. The spaceflight is then followed by an unpowered
glide return to landing.