Goals

The X-33 and other X programs are designed to have a single stage to orbit reusable launch vehicle (RLV). This means there is no collecting used fuel tanks from the ocean and quicker turn around time to launch once it has landed. This will also reduce the amount of money needed to launch a satellite, since the craft is smaller than the shuttle (It will dramatically lower the cost of putting a pound of payload into space from $10,000 to $1,000.)

*Create a reusable single stage rocket.

*Continue to launch commercial and scientific satellites.

Space Craft

The X-33 design is based on a lifting body shape with two revolutionary "linear aerospike" rocket engines and a rugged metallic thermal protection system. The X-33 also features lightweight components and fuel tanks built to conform to the vehicle's outer shape.

The X-33 will be an unpiloted vehicle, taking off vertically like a rocket, reaching an altitude of up to 60 miles and speeds faster than Mach 13 (13 times the speed of sound), and landing horizontally like an airplane.

Time between the X-33 test flights will normally be seven days. However, the X-33 program will demonstrate a two-day turnaround between flights during the flight-test phase.

Type of Rocket

Length	21 m
Mass	129,274 kg
Number of engines	2
Stages	1
Number of wings/fins/stabilizers	4