X-33 flight simulator. Researcher Steve Ishmael uses a flight simulator for the X-33 rocket, the prototype of the proposed VentureStar reusable launch

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X-33 flight simulator. Researcher Steve Ishmael uses a flight simulator for the X-33 rocket, the prototype of the proposed VentureStar reusable launch vehicle. After being launched vertically, the X-33 glides to its landing site. Its fuselage creates lift whilst it steers using its fins. This simulator is being used to provide flight trajectory data whilst flight control procedures are developed, as well as aerodynamic design data. VentureStar is intended to cut launch costs by 90% when it replaces the Space Shuttle. The X-33 and VentureStar are due to fly in 1999 and 2004 respectively. Photographed at the Dryden Flight Research Centre in California, USA.

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Size: 3189px × 2624px
Photo credit: © NASA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: -33, flight, rocket, shuttle, simulator, successor, technology, transport, transportation, venturestar