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Ground Technology The X-33 test vehicle would takeoff
in a vertical position and use conventional runways to land
horizontally. The entire spaceplane (with all fuel tanks and
engines) would takeoff and land as a single unit. During the landing sequence, the
spaceplane would glide to the landing site in an unpowered
manner. Flight tests would involve speeds of up to Mach 15
and altitudes up to approximately 75,800 meters (250,000
feet). None of the X-33 tests flights would achieve Earth
orbit. Ground operations and servicing (e.g., checkout,
refuelling, etc.) would be conducted with ``aircraft like''
procedures and systems. After each test flight, the X-33
would be ferried back to the takeoff site by a Boeing 747
aircraft in a manner similar to that used for the transport
of Space Shuttle orbiters. RLV
Potential Operational Attributes The RLV will be designed as a means
of transport only. It is not intended to be used as a
science platform like the Space Station and Space
Shuttle. Crew members will probably be
transported to and from the Space Station in a containerized
passenger module as shown in this image. The RLV will be designed from the
beginning for streamlined operations. A simplified
operations plan employing a minimal ground support staff
will be established and the hardware designed to accommodate
the plan, rather than vice-versa. The RLV will feature innovations in
materials processing, assembly, and maintenance and support
techniques designed to reduce the costs and manpower
associated with constructing and operating a space
transportation system. New technologies being developed
include the light-weight composite and aluminum-lithium fuel
tanks, a full-scale Linear Aerospike Engine, modular primary
vehicle structures, and a metallic thermal protection
system. The RLV fleet will be certified by a
comprehensive testing program before operations begin. All
operational flights will be flown well within the
established limits of the vehicle. The X-33 is an integrated lifting
body / aerospike engine configuration. The X-33 is a
vertical takeoff / unpowered horizontal landing single stage
spaceplane. Lift is generated during reentry and landing via
its "wedge" shaped platform. Separate wings are not
required. Do not use these scale for engineering
purposes. The X-33 will launch from Edwards Air
Force Base in California and land at one of three test
sites. The vehicle is processed horizontally within a
translating shelter, rotated to the vertical position, and
then launched. Upon landing the X-33 is returned to the
launch site via the NASA-747 Shuttle Carrier
Aircraft.
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