magine the space shuttle lifting off in an explosion of cryogenic fuel from its external tank and solid rocket boosters, climbing across the sky, entering space at hypersonic speed and then returning to earth through the scorching friction of earth's atmosphere. You would have to think long and hard to imagine a more severe testing ground for engineering materials. And if someday the space shuttle was strong enough and light enough to power itself into orbit under its own store of fuels, you will know this miracle was made possible through the innovative use of lightweight plastic materials. That is of course if you read QwikConnect's cover story on composite thermoplastics and their expanding role in today's high performance air, sea, and space ships.

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