SPACE IN MINIATURE

The X-33 is a 1/2 scale prototype of a rocket based Single Stage to Orbit (SSTO) Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV). The goal of the X-33 program is to reduce the business and technical risks by the end of the decade such that private industry can build and operate the next generation reusable launch vehicle. The Lockheed Martin Skunk Works X-33 concept uses a lifting body shape coupled with an aerospike rocket engine concept to propel the vehicle to over Mach 15. The X-33 will simulate the ascent and re-entry environments of the full-scale RLV. The X-33 is scheduled to complete its first flight by March of 1999. Edwards Air Force Base in California will be the launch site for the X-33.

In 1999, there are scheduled 15 flights, reaching up to 80 km altitude and a speed of Mach 15.

On July 2, 1996, NASA competitively selected Lockheed Martin for a government-industry partnership to design, build and fly the experimental X-33 rocket plane. The X-33 vehicle will demonstrate advanced technologies to dramatically increase launch vehicle safety, reliability and lower the cost of putting a pound of payload into space from $10,000 to $1,000.

The X-33 is a half-scale prototype of a reusable launch vehicle (RLV) Lockheed Martin calls the "VentureStar." The goal of the program is to demonstrate in flight the technologies needed for a full-size RLV, and thus enable private industry to build and operate the RLV in the first decade of the new century.

ABOUT THE MODEL

Well, the program was cancelled in March of 2001. A fully reusable, single-stage-to-orbit vehicle is very hard to design and successfully build.

My model was built 9 inches long, or in 1/92 scale. Of course, if this project had been of the full scale Venturestar, then the model would be 1/184 scale! I used insulation quality polyurethane foam for the fuselage, and sheet styrene for the wings and tail fins; dry transfers were used for the markings.

Image: Top/front view

Image: Raw materials