# Orbital Sciences X-34A-3

> uncompleted prototype suborbital spaceplane

**Wikidata**: [Q118509674](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q118509674)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/orbital-sciences-x-34a-3

## Summary
The Orbital Sciences X-34A-3 was an uncompleted prototype suborbital spaceplane developed as part of NASA's Reusable Launch Vehicle program. It was one of several X-34 variants, designed to test low-cost, reusable spacecraft technology, but its construction was abandoned before completion.

## Key Facts
- **Instance of**: Orbital Sciences X-34, an abandoned entity.
- **Aliases**: X-34A-3, A-3.
- **Manufacturer**: Orbital Sciences Corporation.
- **Country of origin**: United States.
- **Significant event**: Construction began in 1999.
- **Class**: Low-cost testbed for the Reusable Launch Vehicle program.
- **Status**: Uncompleted prototype.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of the Orbital Sciences X-34A-3?
A: The X-34A-3 was designed as a testbed for NASA's Reusable Launch Vehicle program, aiming to develop low-cost, reusable spacecraft technology for suborbital flights.

### Q: Why was the X-34A-3 abandoned?
A: The X-34A-3 was never completed, and its development was discontinued before reaching operational status.

### Q: Who manufactured the X-34A-3?
A: The X-34A-3 was manufactured by Orbital Sciences Corporation.

### Q: When was construction of the X-34A-3 initiated?
A: Construction of the X-34A-3 began in 1999.

### Q: What was the relationship between the X-34A-3 and the X-34 program?
A: The X-34A-3 was part of the broader Orbital Sciences X-34 class of vehicles, which were low-cost testbeds for reusable spacecraft.

## Why It Matters
The Orbital Sciences X-34A-3 was part of NASA's efforts to advance reusable spacecraft technology, which could have significantly reduced the cost of spaceflight. The Reusable Launch Vehicle program aimed to develop vehicles capable of multiple flights, similar to modern reusable rockets like SpaceX's Falcon 9. While the X-34A-3 was never completed, its development contributed to broader research in reusable spaceflight. The program's eventual shift to the X-33 VentureStar and later to commercial ventures like SpaceX highlights the evolving landscape of space exploration technology.

## Notable For
- **Uncompleted prototype**: The X-34A-3 was never finished, unlike other X-34 variants.
- **Reusable spacecraft testbed**: It was designed to evaluate low-cost, reusable spacecraft concepts.
- **Part of NASA's RLVP**: The vehicle was developed under NASA's Reusable Launch Vehicle program.
- **Orbital Sciences contribution**: The project showcased Orbital Sciences' role in early reusable spacecraft research.
- **Abandoned development**: The X-34A-3's incomplete status reflects the challenges of early reusable spacecraft projects.

## Body
### Overview
The Orbital Sciences X-34A-3 was a prototype suborbital spaceplane developed as part of NASA's Reusable Launch Vehicle program. It was one of several X-34 variants, designed to test low-cost, reusable spacecraft technology. The program aimed to reduce the cost of spaceflight by developing vehicles capable of multiple flights, similar to modern reusable rockets.

### Development and Abandonment
Construction of the X-34A-3 began in 1999, but its development was abandoned before completion. Unlike other X-34 variants, the X-34A-3 was never finished, reflecting the challenges of early reusable spacecraft projects. The program's eventual shift to the X-33 VentureStar and later to commercial ventures like SpaceX highlights the evolving landscape of space exploration technology.

### Significance
The X-34A-3 was part of NASA's efforts to advance reusable spacecraft technology, which could have significantly reduced the cost of spaceflight. While the X-34A-3 was never completed, its development contributed to broader research in reusable spaceflight. The program's eventual shift to the X-33 VentureStar and later to commercial ventures like SpaceX highlights the evolving landscape of space exploration technology.

## 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/)