Lockheed Martin X-33
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X-33_air_drop_model.jpg
The X-33 was a technology demonstrator for NASA's "next-generation" of space launch vehicle named Venture Star. It was to flight test a range of technologies needed for single stage to orbit reusable launch vehicles (SSTO RLVs), such as thermal protection systems, composite cryogenic fuel tanks, the aerospike engine, and its lifting body aerodynamics.
The unmanned craft would have been launched vertically (from Edwards Airforce base), and have landed on a runway at the end of its mission.
On July 2, 1996, NASA selected Lockheed Martin Skunk Works of Palmdale, California, to design, build, and test the X-33 experimental vehicle for the RLV program.
Based on the X-33 experience shared with NASA, Lockheed Martin hoped to build a commercial SSTO RLV, called VentureStar, at its own expense. The intention was that rather than operate space transport systems as it has with the Space Shuttle, NASA would purchase launch services from Lockheed Martin and other commercial launch providers. Thus, the X-33 was not only about honing space flight technologies, but also about the commercial launch industry.
The decision to design and build the X-33 grew out of an internal NASA study titled "Access to Space." Unlike other space transport studies, "Access to Space" was to result in the design and construction of a vehicle.
Construction of the prototype was some 85% complete when the program was cancelled by NASA in 2001, after a long series of technical difficulties including flight instability and excess weight. In particular, the composite liquid hydrogen fuel tank failed during testing in November 1999. The tank had to be composite to be light enough in order for the craft to operate, but NASA came to the conclusion that the materials technology of the time was simply not advanced enough for such a design.
NASA had invested $912m in the project before cancellation and Lockheed Martin a further $357m. Lockheed Martin deemed that the business case to continue development privately without government support was unviable.
External links
- NASA press release on cancellation (ftp://ftp.hq.nasa.gov/pub/pao/pressrel/2001/01-031.txt)
- The X-33 History Project Home Page (http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/pao/History/x-33/menu1.htm)
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