The X-38 prototypes were intended to perfect a "crew lifeboat" for the International Space Station.
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The X-38 prototypes were intended to perfect a “crew lifeboat” for the International Space Station. The X-38 vehicle 131R demonstrated a huge 7,500 square-foot parafoil that would have enabled the Crew Return Vehicle (CRV) to land on the length of a football field after returning from space.
The CRV was intended to serve as an emergency transport to carry a crew to safety in the event of problems with the International Space Station.November 2, 2000NASA Photo / Jim Ross› X-38 Project Description