First Flight: N/A
Mission: Serve as development test bed for project "VentureStar",
a proposed reusable, self powered space transport vehicle.
Major Accomplishments: Test Integrated
fuel tanks, lightweight composites and available off-the-shelf components for a
reusable spacecraft.
Power Source: 2 J-2S Linear Areospike engines
Wing Span: 77'
Length: 69'
Maximum Achieved Speed: Mach 13+ (Projected)
Maximum Achieve Altitude: 300,000' +(Projected)
Additional Information: The X-33 is a test bed for the VentureStar project, a manned, single stage, multiple use, heavy lift spacecraft. The X-33 is an approximate 1/3 scale of the 127' long VentureStar. The X-33 is being developed at the famed Lockheed "Skunkworks", and is being outfitted with an "aerospike" engine, composite components and other state-of-the art advances. This project was cancelled by NASA in March, 2001.
