article_snippet.sent: These are commonly known as single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) vehicles, as they could take off from a runway and land back on Earth without having to use an expendable rocket - like the Space Shuttle had to.
article_snippet.sent: space planes are commonly known as single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) vehicles, as space planes could take off from a runway and land back on Earth without having to use an expendable rocket - like the Space Shuttle had to .