Advanced Space Transportation Program (ASTP)

The X-34 Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) concept is pictured here. NASA plarned to utilize the X-34 small reusable booster for research of Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) technologies that may be applicable to future larger RLV's. It was being developed cooperatively by Orbital Science Corporation, Rockwell International Corporation, and NASA. The objectives of the X-34 program were to significantly reduce launch costs for small payloads and to provide a test bed for NASA RLV technology. The X-34 would be launched from a 747 shuttle carrier aircraft. After delivering its payload (booster by an upper stage) to orbit, it would land autonomously on the same runway from which the 747 departed. The X-34 vehicle was powered by a liquid oxygen tank (LOX) and an RP-1 liquid Fastrac engine that was designed and built by Marshall Space Flight Center. The X-34 would be capable of speeds up to Mach 8 and altitudes of 250,000 feet. The X-34 program was cancelled in 2001.