NASA has issued a government-industry co-operative agreement notice for the demonstration of single-stage-to-orbit technologies through the design, fabrication and flight testing of the X-33 advanced technology demonstrator by 1999. Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, McDonnell Douglas and Rockwell, have been working on a Phase 1 X-33 concept definition and design programme since March 1995. They are expected to respond to NASA's call by 13 May. The agency will select its industry partner in July and is budgeting, $941 million for the X-33 to 1999. The industry partner's investment has yet to be determined.
Source: Flight International