NASA moves X-34s out of storage, considers return to flight status

Steyr

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/11/19/349997/photos-nasa-moves-x-34s-out-of-storage-considers-return-to-flight.html

Aircraft
DATE:19/11/10
SOURCE:Flight International

NASA moves X-34s out of storage, considers return to flight status


Two X-planes parked in storage by NASA for nearly 10 years have been moved to a new facility to be inspected for a possible return to flying status, the agency says.

Orbital Sciences Corp will determine whether the X-34s are still viable as technology demonstrators for reusable space vehicles.


©Rebecca Amber/MojaveWest Media Works


Orbital Sciences X-34 spacecraft arrives in Mojave, California, on 16 November after being moved out of storage at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Centre.
Both X-34s have been stored at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center near Palmdale, California since the hypersonic spaceflight programme was cancelled in 2001.

Neither aircraft was flown under its own power before being moved into storage, although one vehicle completed three captive carry tests from an Orbital Sciences-owned Lockheed L-1011.

A NASA contractor moved both X-34's overnight on 16 November, trucking the aircraft with their vertical tails removed from Dryden to a hangar owned by the National Test Pilot school in Mojave, California.


NASA


A NASA drawing released before the programme was cancelled shows the X-34 in flight above the atmosphere.

SNAKEDOC

maybe following the tests of the x43 and such they are planning a comeback and the scraping of the shuttle they obviously have a reason for this maybe they might replace the shuttle

Tenger

Well the current US administration has actually increased the NASA budget while following the previous decision to axe the STS program. While sad to see the Shuttle go NASA now has funds 'released' that can be used for other research. Obama has stated that he hopes private groups will comercialise near Earth space operations while NASA and the like will concnetrate on more grandiose projects (ie Moon/Mars missions)

SNAKEDOC

so what delivery system will nasa use for getting to orbit if not the shuttle. it will be interesting to see a new era of space flight begin. i remember the shuttle as a child and been amazed by its shape and the astronauts walking out to the bus what a sight for a youngster to see.

v300

I just hope Steve Austin still gets his seat in one....