NASA's X-38 CRV

thingiverse

The X-38 was a pioneering re-entry vehicle engineered by NASA to explore a viable emergency crew return system for the International Space Station. The 1995–2002 initiative also spawned concepts for a versatile crew return vehicle design that could be adapted for diverse applications, such as a collaborative U.S. and international spacecraft potentially launched on the powerful Ariane 5 booster. This ambitious program ultimately developed three test prototype flight demonstrators for the proposed Crew Return Vehicle, each boasting incremental enhancements over its predecessor. All three were sleek wingless lifting body vehicles used in rigorous drop tests. Unfortunately, the X-38 program was terminated in 2002 due to significant budget cuts. Personal Reflection: I had the privilege of working at the Johnson Space Center during the final stages of this remarkable vehicle's development. I extend my gratitude to John Muratore for keeping the vision alive!