2006-12-19 08:22:45 · 3 answers · asked by Halo Zero 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
I believe you are probably referring to the X-30 Space Plane. Designed by Rockwell as single stage to orbit (SSTO) spacecraft, it was cancelled in 1993 before the prototype was ever built.
It was to be a waverider lifting body, which provides lift through compression at high speeds, but sucks for low-speed maneuvering (such as at take-off and landing).
The engine was intended to be a scramjet design, using the hypersonic shockwave of the craft's travel to assist in increasing compression of the air intake. This technique had never been successfully tested at the time.
The Department of Defense required that the X-30 carry a crew of two, and carry a small payload as well. This requirement effectively scuttled the program, as the added weight, instrumentation, safety equipment and life support systems made the development of a working prototype too costly.
The principles that were to be used in the X-30 have been incorporated into other test vehicles, however, including the unmanned X-43, and the technology to one day build a SSTO vehicle is continuing to progress.
2006-12-19 08:54:57 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Venture Star. The X-33 was a prototype that got cancelled when they couldn't get the fuel tank right.
2006-12-19 18:44:22 · answer #2 · answered by Nomadd 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
VentureStar, or the X33.
2006-12-19 16:45:57 · answer #3 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋