'what ever happened to the X38?

[ascan1984]

what ever happened to the X38?

 

[nacnud]

It got cancelled along with the Hab module around 2000 due to a $4B ISS over run. The plan is to use two Soyuz instead.

 

[john_316]

It was CanXed!<br /><br />Cancelled in favor of OSP (Orbital Space Plane) which was also cancelled in favor of CEV (Crew Exploration Vehicle) due to the loss of Columbia...<br /><br />I however would let you borrow one of mine. I build 2 of them in the garage...<br /><br /><img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /><br />

 

[mlorrey]

Yeah, but it wasn't an ICBM.

 

[spacefire]

Could the CRV ride on one? <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p>http://asteroid-invasion.blogspot.com</p><p>http://www.solvengineer.com/asteroid-invasion.html </p><p> </p> </div>

 

[nacnud]

Nope, it was to go up in the shuttle.

 

[spacefire]

I remember plans to make the Crew Return Vehicle into a Crew Delivery Vehicle - esentaially what SpaceDev is proposing. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p>http://asteroid-invasion.blogspot.com</p><p>http://www.solvengineer.com/asteroid-invasion.html </p><p> </p> </div>

 

[josh_simonson]

Is anyone else not surprised that they cancelled a spaceplane that needed to be sent to orbit by the shuttle? X-38 died with the shuttle.<br /><br />They'll probably use 1 soyuz and 1 ISS-type CEV once the CEVs are available.

 

[ascan1984]

The X38 was designed so that it could fly if need be automatically with the intention in mind if a crew member was injured. The article i read showed an X38 landing outide a hospital. But i read the article years ago so i am not sure i am correct.

 

[nacnud]

I think your right it could de-orbit itself, but it would still need a Shuttle for the ride to orbit, manovering to the ISS, docking as well as power and thermal contol during this process. Thats quite a lot to upgrade for entirely autonomus operation.