X-34A
Stage · USA
Original archive entry. The text, images and links below are kept as they were written.
The original X-34A was a three-stage vehicle consisting of the Orbital Sciences L-1011; which air-launched the X-34A reusable rocketplane; which space-launched the rocket-powered third stage; which would take a small payload to orbit. Only the third stage would be expendable.
The original, larger X-34A was powered by an RS-56-OSA Atlas sustainer engine. The 4500 kg third stage was powered by a subscale version of the Fastrac engine.
Payload: 400 kg (880 lb) to a Mach 8, 76 km trajectory. Flyaway Unit Cost 1985$: 3.000 million.
Stage Data - X-34
- Stage 1. 1 x X-34. Gross Mass: 21,800 kg (48,000 lb). Empty Mass: 8,200 kg (18,000 lb). Thrust (vac): 268.927 kN (60,457 lbf). Isp: 310 sec. Burn time: 150 sec. Span: 8.54 m (28.01 ft). Length: 17.68 m (58.00 ft). Propellants: Lox/Kerosene. No Engines: 1. Engine: Fastrac. Status: In Production. Comments: Low cost reusable vehicle technology demonstrator.
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X-34
Credit: NASA
