Computer graphic of Lockheed Martin X-33 Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV)

WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES

12.09.2009

Courtesy Photo

NASA

Another artist's conception of the X-33, this time after engine shutdown. The vehicle is shown gliding toward its landing site in the southwestern U.S. The X-33 was undertaken to demonstrate the technologies required for a full scale, single-stage-to-orbit launch vehicle. The goal was to substantially reduce the cost of putting payloads into orbit. This proved elusive, and for a variety of reasons, the X-33 was cancelled in February 2001.

NASA Identifier: NIX-ED97-43938-2

• Date Taken: 12.09.2009
• Date Posted: 10.10.2012 12:57
• Photo ID: 692971
• Resolution: 1536x1321
• Size: 281.61 KB
• Location: WASHINGTON, DC, US