A rocket substitute for shuttles falls short
Article Abstract:
The rocket meant to replace the space shuttle is nearly a year behind schedule because of design difficulties and cost overruns. The X-33, which is being developed as a joint project of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Skunk Works Division of the Lockheed Martin Corporation, is a half-scale prototype meant to test the feasability of new and cheaper approaches to launching space payloads. The designers hope the X-33 and its subsequent full-scale version, the Venture Star, will lower the cost of space payloads by a factor of ten. The new rocket is designed to be a true single-stage-to-orbit resusable spacecraft that can be launched into space and return to Earth, landing lika a conventional aircarft. The sapce shuttles are not truly single-stage reusable rockets because they have stages, or boosters, that must be shed and replaced with each use. The X-33 was scheduled to begin a series of test flights this month, but delays in the production and delivery of parts, as well as assembly and design flaws, have forced the space agency to delay test flights for several months. One of the major problems is the engine assembly. The X-33 was to be powered by a linear aerospike engine. However, the aerospike engine, which has received extensive ground testing, but has never been tested in flight conditions, leaks fuel and repairing it was estimates to be too expensive. Problems with the spacecraft's thermal skin have also caused delays. The X-33 is also seriously overweight, it weighs 10,000 pounds more tha its original design weight of 65,000 pounds. This increase will prevent the spacecraft from reaching the maximum design speed of Mach 15, or 15 times the speed of sound. Engineers working on the project are optimistic that all of these problems can be solved by the time the full-scale Venture Star goes into production.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1999
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Time Warner quarterly net is down by more than half
Article Abstract:
Time Warner's fourth quarter profit of $90 million was down from a year ago due primarily to its satellite broadcasting business. The company also held down spending and did well in the publishing, cable network and music divisions.
Comment:
Revenues rose but profits slipped
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1999
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