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X-33, Leading the Way to VentureStar(trademark)) in the Next MillenniumThe X-33, NASA's flagship for reusable space plane technology demonstration, is on course to begin the flights of the X-33 that will permit industry and government decisions that can lead to VentureStar(trademark) by the end of 2000. Lockheed Martin, NASA's partner in this effort, took the bold step in January 1999 to announce formation of VentureStar(trademark) LLC. This move provides the focus for firm business planning needed to enable the decision by the time X-33 flies in mid 2000. The X-33 program began by accepting the mandate that included two unprecedented and highly challenging goals: 1) demonstrate single stage to orbit technologies in flight and ground by the end of 2000 and 2) demonstrate a new government and industry management relationship working together with industry in the lead. Since the IAF 49th Congress in Melbourne, the major hardware elements of X-33 have been through their assembly and test. The flight liquid oxygen tank was the first major element to complete final assembly. The liquid hydrogen tanks are currently in final assembly and testing. The first flight tank has been delivered to vehicle assembly, the second tank and the flight engines are expected this month. The aerospike engine is an engine concept that has never been flown, but has been extensively ground tested. It will be flown for the first time on the X-33. Major X-33 flight hardware has been tested, delivered, and assembly of the vehicle is nearly complete. Construction of the prototype spaceport was completed in November 1998. The flight test program commencing in the summer of 2000. The decision to proceed with a Single Stage To Orbit as a commercial venture is expected in the fall of 2000.
Document ID
19990054757
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Austin, Robert E.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL United States)
Rising, Jerry J.
(Lockheed Martin Corp. Palmdale, CA United States)
Date Acquired
August 19, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1999
Subject Category
Launch Vehicles And Space Vehicles
Meeting Information
Meeting: International Astronautical Congress
Location: Amsterdam
Country: Netherlands
Start Date: October 2, 1999
End Date: October 9, 1999
Sponsors: International Astronomical Union
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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