The McDonnell Douglas DC-X single-stage-to-orbit technology demonstrator will fly again no earlier than 8 May says the company. After the four new flight tests - funded by the US Air Force and NASA - to push the vehicle into the "high-risk portion", the DC-X will be handed over to NASA for upgrade to the DC-XA configuration. The first flight will ascend for 50s to 4,350ft (1,325m), at an angle of attack of 15°, taking it 1,000ft from the flight stand at White Sands. The DC-X will be flown laterally over the pad and touch down on it at T+135s.

 

Source: Flight International