Lifting Bodies

The X-33 VentureStar

Winner of the X-33 competition, Lockheed/Martin Marietta was to have built this lifting body which would have been a scaled prototype for a single stage to orbit vehicle. Compare this shape with that of the X-24b, there are many similarities.

Check out the X-33 homepage for more information.

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The X-33 taking off vertically

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Rollover maneuver

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The full-scale VentureStar
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Deploying a communications sattelite

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Good side view of the lifting body profile

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Comparison of the X-33 and the full-scale VentureStar

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Lineup of the X-33, the VentureStar, and the current Space Shuttle

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Ready for landing!

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Close to touchdown