# Orbital Sciences X-34A-2

> prototype suborbital spaceplane

**Wikidata**: [Q118509673](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q118509673)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/orbital-sciences-x-34a-2

## Summary
The Orbital Sciences X-34A-2 is a prototype suborbital spaceplane developed by Orbital Sciences Corporation as part of NASA's Reusable Launch Vehicle program.

## Key Facts
- It is a prototype suborbital spaceplane developed as a low-cost testbed for NASA's Reusable Launch Vehicle program.
- The aircraft has a dry weight of 8,165 kilograms and a launch weight of 21,770 kilograms.
- It measures 17.77 meters in length, 8.44 meters in wingspan, and 3.5 meters in height.
- It was manufactured by Orbital Sciences Corporation in the United States.
- Construction of the X-34A-2 was completed around 2000.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of the Orbital Sciences X-34A-2?
A: It was developed as a prototype suborbital spaceplane to serve as a low-cost testbed for NASA's Reusable Launch Vehicle program.

### Q: What were its key technical specifications?
A: The aircraft had a dry weight of 8,165 kg, launch weight of 21,770 kg, was 17.77 m long with an 8.44 m wingspan and 3.5 m height.

### Q: When was it constructed?
A: Construction was completed around 2000.

## Why It Matters
The Orbital Sciences X-34A-2 represents an important step in NASA's efforts to develop low-cost reusable launch vehicles. As a prototype suborbital spaceplane, it was designed to test technologies and approaches that could reduce the cost of accessing space. The program aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of reusable launch systems, which could potentially revolutionize space transportation by making space travel more affordable and accessible. Although the program faced challenges and was eventually canceled, the X-34A-2 contributed valuable knowledge and experience to the broader field of aerospace engineering and space transportation technology.

## Notable For
- It was developed as part of NASA's Reusable Launch Vehicle program aimed at creating low-cost access to space.
- It was manufactured by Orbital Sciences Corporation and represented a prototype for suborbital spaceflight.
- The aircraft demonstrated advanced technologies for reusable launch systems, including vertical takeoff and horizontal landing capabilities.
- It was designed to be a testbed for future spaceplane concepts.
- Construction was completed around 2000, marking a significant milestone in the development of this technology.

## Body
### Technical Specifications
The Orbital Sciences X-34A-2 had a dry weight of 8,165 kilograms and a launch weight of 21,770 kilograms. It measured 17.77 meters in length with an 8.44-meter wingspan and 3.5 meters in height.

### Development and Construction
The X-34A-2 was constructed by Orbital Sciences Corporation as part of NASA's Reusable Launch Vehicle program. Construction was completed around 2000, with the aircraft being developed as a prototype suborbital spaceplane.

### Program Context
The X-34 program was designed as a low-cost testbed for NASA's Reusable Launch Vehicle initiative, which aimed to develop technologies that could significantly reduce the cost of space access. The program was intended to demonstrate the feasibility of reusable launch systems that could potentially revolutionize the space industry.

### Significance
Although the X-34 program faced challenges and was eventually canceled, the X-34A-2 contributed valuable knowledge and experience to the broader field of aerospace engineering and space transportation technology. It represented an important step in NASA's efforts to develop more affordable access to space.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/26546/the-tragic-tale-of-how-nasas-x-34-space-planes-ended-up-rotting-in-someones-backyard)
2. [Source](https://spaceref.com/press-release/second-nasa-x-34-rocket-plane-reaches-assembly-milestone/)
3. [Source](https://www.nasa.gov/centers/armstrong/news/FactSheets/FS-060-DFRC.html)
4. [Source](https://www.nasa.gov/centers/marshall/news/background/facts/x-34.html)