NASA will conduct atmospheric glide flights of a full-scale prototype of a potential International Space Station (ISS) Crew Return Vehicle (CRV) in 1997. Two models of the test article, designated the X-38, are being built by prototype builder Scaled Composites.
The CRV could replace Russian Soyuz TM CRVs at the space station by 2002. Two of the Soyuz craft are required to allow the emergency return of six crew members, while the X-38 would accommodate a six-person crew.
As much as 80% of the X-38's design would use existing technology, reducing its cost. With minor modifications, the X-38 could also be launched as a crew-transport vehicle with three people, representing the USA's first new-generation manned spacecraft since 1981. It would be compatible with Ariane 5, Proton and some US launchers.
The X-38 programme has been a low-profile effort, largely because, at this stage, it lacks a substantial budget. The European Space Agency (ESA) has been working with NASA in the hope of being involved in the CRV work, even proposing its own Crew Transfer Vehicle (CTV) for the two functions. This has delayed negotiations with NASA.
The agencies have agreed to study the X-38 design jointly, with ESA providing an Ariane 5 launch to the ISS in 1999 so that the crew-return role can be demonstrated. The X-38 derivative would then also be used as a CTV.
ESA, which still has aspirations for an autonomous manned spaceflight capability, is investing $10 million in the new concept, while continuing its studies of its own capsule-CTV design.
Source: Flight International
