# X-38 V-132

> X-38 Crew Return Vehicle Prototype

**Wikidata**: [Q14002349](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q14002349)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/x-38-v-132

## Summary
The X-38 V-132 is a prototype of the X-38 Crew Return Vehicle, designed as a spacecraft for emergency evacuation of the International Space Station.

## Key Facts
- The X-38 V-132 is a prototype of the X-38 Crew Return Vehicle
- It is classified as a NASA X-38 airplane
- The vehicle originates from the United States
- Currently located at the Strategic Air and Space Museum
- It serves as a crew return vehicle prototype for space missions

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of the X-38 V-132?
A: The X-38 V-132 was designed as a prototype for a spacecraft to provide emergency evacuation capabilities for the International Space Station.

### Q: Where is the X-38 V-132 currently located?
A: The X-38 V-132 is currently housed at the Strategic Air and Space Museum.

### Q: What was the X-38 program's main objective?
A: The X-38 program aimed to develop a compact, reusable spacecraft for emergency crew return from the International Space Station.

## Why It Matters
The X-38 V-132 represents an important step in space station safety technology. As a prototype for the Crew Return Vehicle, it addressed a critical need for emergency evacuation capabilities from the International Space Station. The development of such technology enhanced the safety protocols for human spaceflight by providing a dedicated spacecraft designed specifically for rapid crew return during emergencies. This prototype demonstrated the feasibility of compact, reusable spacecraft that could be deployed quickly in critical situations, contributing to the overall safety infrastructure of space stations and future space missions.

## Notable For
- First prototype of the X-38 Crew Return Vehicle
- Designed specifically for emergency evacuation of the International Space Station
- Part of NASA's X-38 program focused on human spaceflight safety
- Demonstrated compact spacecraft design for rapid crew return
- Currently preserved as a historical artifact at the Strategic Air and Space Museum

## Body
### Technical Specifications
The X-38 V-132 was designed as a compact spacecraft with dimensions optimized for deployment from the International Space Station. It featured a crew capacity of up to seven astronauts and was engineered to provide rapid emergency evacuation capabilities. The vehicle's design incorporated advanced aerodynamic features and reentry systems to ensure safe return to Earth.

### Development Timeline
The X-38 program began development in the late 1990s as part of NASA's efforts to enhance space station safety. The V-132 prototype represented an intermediate stage in the development process, serving as a testbed for critical systems before full-scale production. The program faced various technical challenges but ultimately contributed valuable data to the design of emergency crew return vehicles.

### Location and Preservation
Currently, the X-38 V-132 is housed at the Strategic Air and Space Museum, where it serves as an educational exhibit demonstrating the evolution of space technology. The museum provides detailed information about the vehicle's design, development, and operational capabilities, preserving it as an important artifact in the history of human spaceflight safety.