Sujet

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

Légende

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.

Crédit

Photo12/Heritage Images/Heritage Art

Notre référence

HRM21A87_294

Model release

NA

Property release

NA

Licence

Droits gérés

Format disponible

35,4Mo (876,0Ko) / 34,6cm x 25,6cm / 4091 x 3028 (300dpi)

Mots clés

technology education country flight model space color location century aviation space travel NASA United States of America Nineties Colour Smithsonian Institution National Air and Space Museum Educational Institution 20th century air and space museum American America USA 1990s decade launch vehicle scientific institution object united states Unknown National Aeronautics and Space Administration plastic Heritage Art Paint NASM Adhesive Resin MODELS-Manned Spacecraft & Parts launch system reusable launch system VentureStar Lockheed Martin Lockheed Martin Corporation Lockheed Martin Missile and Space Corporation Lockheed Martin Missile and Space Company