A spaceplane is a type of vehicle designed to operate both in the atmosphere and in outer space. It combines the features of an airplane and a rocket, allowing it to take off and land like a conventional aircraft while also being capable of reaching the high speeds and altitudes required for space travel. Spaceplanes typically use jet engines for atmospheric flight and rocket engines for propulsion in space. Notable examples include the Space Shuttle, which was used by NASA, and the X-15, a rocket-powered aircraft that contributed to our understanding of spaceflight.