This close-up view of the X-38 crew return vehicle under the wing of NASA's B-52 mothership prior to launch of the lifting-body research vehicle was taken from the observation window of the B-52 bomber. The X-38 research project, no longer under development, was designed to develop the technology for a prototype emergency crew return vehicle.
This close-up view of the X-38 crew return vehicle under the wing of NASA’s B-52 mothership prior to launch of the lifting-body research vehicle was taken from the observation window of the B-52 bomber as it banked in flight. The X-38 research project, which is no longer under development, was designed to develop the technology for a prototype emergency crew return vehicle or lifeboat for the International Space Station.Image Credit: NASA/Jeff Doughty