alb5352303

Model, X-33 VentureStar Reusable Launch Vehicle,1990s. Creator: Unknown.

Model, X-33 VentureStar Reusable Launch Vehicle, 1990s. In 1996 NASA selected Lockheed Martin to build and fly the X-33 test vehicle to demonstrate advanced technologies for a new reusable launch vehicle to succeed the Space Shuttle. VentureStar was Lockheed's name for this future spaceplane concept. The Lockheed Skunk Works designed a lifting body shape with aerospike rocket engines and a metallic thermal protection system as a single-stage-to-orbit vehicle. The program was a joint NASA-industry effort to develop a new commercial launch vehicle, and the model bears decals of all the participating companies. NASA cancelled the project in 2001 before any test flights were carried out after some technical problems proved too difficult to solve. This model is a relic of an ambitious but failed attempt to validate a new spaceplane concept. NASA transferred the model to the Museum in 2006.

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Title:

Model, X-33 VentureStar Reusable Launch Vehicle,1990s. Creator: Unknown.

Caption:

Model, X-33 VentureStar Reusable Launch Vehicle, 1990s. In 1996 NASA selected Lockheed Martin to build and fly the X-33 test vehicle to demonstrate advanced technologies for a new reusable launch vehicle to succeed the Space Shuttle. VentureStar was Lockheed's name for this future spaceplane concept. The Lockheed Skunk Works designed a lifting body shape with aerospike rocket engines and a metallic thermal protection system as a single-stage-to-orbit vehicle. The program was a joint NASA-industry effort to develop a new commercial launch vehicle, and the model bears decals of all the participating companies. NASA cancelled the project in 2001 before any test flights were carried out after some technical problems proved too difficult to solve. This model is a relic of an ambitious but failed attempt to validate a new spaceplane concept. NASA transferred the model to the Museum in 2006.

Personalities:

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION • LOCKHEED MARTIN

Credit:

Album / Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Releases:

Model: No - Property: No
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Image size:

4091 x 3028 px | 35.4 MB

Print size:

34.6 x 25.6 cm | 13.6 x 10.1 in (300 dpi)

Keywords:

1900S • 1990S • 20TH CENTURY • 90S • ADHESIVE • AEROSPACE • AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM • AMERICA • AMERICAN • ASTRONAUTICS • AVIATION • CENTURY • COLOR • COLOUR • COUNTRY • DECADE • EDUCATION • EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION • FLIGHT • LAUNCH SYSTEM • LAUNCH VEHICLE • LOCATION • LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION • LOCKHEED MARTIN MISSILE AND SPACE COMPANY • LOCKHEED MARTIN MISSILE AND SPACE CORPORATION • LOCKHEED MARTIN • MODEL • MODELS-MANNED SPACECRAFT & PARTS • NASA • NASM • NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION • NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM • NINETIES • NINETIES, THE • NINETY DECADE • OBJECT • OBJECTS • OUTERSPACE • PAINT • PLASTIC • RESIN • REUSABLE LAUNCH SYSTEM • SCIENTIFIC INSTITUTION • SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION • SPACE (COSMOS) • SPACE TRAVEL • SPACE • SPATIAL • TECHNOLOGY • UMBRELLA • UNITED STATES OF AMERICA • UNITED STATES • UNKNOWN • USA • VENTURESTAR