There is work being done with the aim of creating relatively robust and inexpensive spacecraft using a combination of carbon fiber tech and sintering. The sintering would be used on mainly the leading edges of small wings and the underside...where re-entry heat is extreme...even carbon fiber cannot stand up to re-entry heat extremes.
These would be created using very large scale 3D printing techniques.
Sintering is used to form a heat shield from metals and ceramics...along with a polishing step because heat shields need to be VERY smooth.
Israel and the Gulf Cooperation Council...
Space planes? Very cool!