X-33 Delays
09/07/99 Mostly a rehash of previous articles, there are some details about the impacts on the VentureStar schedule. $1.95 NASA's X Programs
08/29/99 An overview of the X-33, X-34, and X-37 programs. One of the key technologies on the X-34 is a graphite composite liquid oxygen tank.
X-34 to be Upgraded
08/29/99 The first X-34 airframe will be upgraded for more extensive flight testing. What the article doesn't say is why the vehicle is offline for upgrades when it should be going through tests. Can you say spin control? Solar Sails
08/29/99 This overview of solar sail spacecraft ends with a sidebar on the materials used to make the sails. X-33 Problems
08/27/99 The GAO has released a report critical of the X-33, saying it is behind schedule, over budget, and unlikely to achieve its design goals. For example, the liquid oxygen tank will now be made out of aluminum instead of composites. Alternate links: 1. Satellite Bus Shipped
08/27/99 AASC shipped the first HS 702 satellite bus structure to Hughes. One more will be delivered later this year. Model Rockets
08/24/99 Model rocket clubs are gaining popularity. This may be largely a result of increased rocket performance, helped by the use of advanced materials. Space-Based Solar Collectors
07/13/99 NASA is once again studying space-based solar power plants. Thanks to advances in materials and robotics, such plants are beginning to look feasible. TransHab
07/07/99 Constance Adams is the architect behind the TransHab project, NASA's inflatable living structure for the space station and Mars missions. Includes interesting design details. X-34 Test Flight
06/30/99 The X-34 was flown under its L-1011 carrier earlier this week. The vehicle won't be released for free flight until later tests. Multi-Functional Structures
06/24/99 The Air Force Research Lab in Albuquerque is trying to shrink the size of spacecraft components. One approach is to incorporate electronics into the structure. R-Cubed Delivers X-34 Tank
05/06/99 R-Cubed Composites shipped the first of two X-34 fuel tanks to Orbital Sciences. Aerobatic Flying
05/06/99 Greg Poe will perform physics-defying stunts in his carbon and Kevlar composite plane built by Zivko. X-34 Rollout Video
05/03/99 The text of this article simply repeats the press releases, but the video provides some animations and film of the actual vehicle. X-34 Rollout
04/30/99 Orbital Sciences staged a rollout of the first X-34 vehicle. The X-34 has an all-composite body, and is a testbed for reusable launch vehicle technologies. X- 33 Tanks Near Completion
04/27/99 Alliant is nearing completion on two X-33 liquid hydrogen tanks. One has been delivered to Lockheed Martin in Alabama for testing; the other will be delivered later this summer. VentureStar Hurdles
03/16/99 Lockheed Martin faces several challenges in the development of both the X-33 and VentureStar vehicles. Many of these challenges relate to composite structures. X-34 Arrives at NASA Dryden
03/02/99 The first X-34 prototype has arrived at NASA Dryden for captive carry tests. Live WEBCast of the Roton Rollout
02/24/99 The Space Frontier Foundation will broadcast the rollout of the Roton prototype live on the Web on 1 March 1999. Orbital Ships First X-34
02/23/99 Orbital Sciences shipped the first X-34 test vehicle to Dryden. Among the technologies being demonstrated are composite flight structures and composite fuel tanks. Artificial Muscles on Space Probes
02/23/99 NASA plans to use electroactive polymers, which behave like muscles, as acuators on a space probe. Related story. Aerojet Wins Motor Contract
02/17/99 GenCorp Aerojet has been selected to build solid rocket motors for the new Atlas 5 launch vehicle. The motors will have a graphite/epoxy case. CargoLifter Uses CATIA
02/10/99 CargoLifter AG has selected the CATIA CAD platform for the development of its new, composite lighter-than-air airship. Roton Test Flights
02/04/99 Rotary Rockets is about to start flight experiments with its atmospheric test vehicle (ATV). More X-33 Tank Details
01/27/99 Lockheed Martin has posted some additional details on the problems with the X-33 LH2 tanks. Based on the description, it sounds like a material quality problem.
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