
The X-38, a research vehicle built to help develop technology for an emergency Crew Return Vehicle (CRV), descends under its steerable parachute during a July 1999 test flight at the Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California. It was the fourth free flight of the test vehicles in the X-38 program, and the second free flight test of Vehicle 132 or Ship 2. The goal of this flight was to release the vehicle from a higher altitude -- 31,500 feet -- and to fly the vehicle longer -- 31 seconds -- than any previous X-38 vehicle had yet flown. The project team also conducted aerodynamic verification maneuvers and checked improvements made to the drogue parachute.
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NASA ID
EC99-45080-21
Date Created
July 9, 1999
Center
AFRC
Media Type
image
Photographer
NASA/Carla Thomas
Location
AFRC
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X-38 - Landing After First Free Flight, March 12, 1998
Mar 12, 1998
The X-38 Second Prototype Flares to a Landing over the Lakebed at the End of Its Fifth Flight at Edwards Air Force Base
Mar 30, 2000
X-38 - First Free Flight, March 12, 1998
Mar 12, 1998
X-38 in Flight during Second Free Flight
Feb 6, 1999