The Boeing X-20 Dyna-Soar was a United States Air Force (USAF) program to develop a spaceplane that could be used for a variety of military missions, including aerial reconnaissance, bombing, space rescue, satellite maintenance, and as a space interceptor to sabotage enemy satellites. The program ran from October 24, 1957, to December 10, 1963, cost US$660 million, and was cancelled just after spacecraft construction had begun.
Artist's impression of the X-20 during re-entry
Artist's conception of an X-20 Dyna-Soar after separation from booster (1961).
Artist's impression of the X-20 on landing approach at Edwards Air Force Base
An artist's impression of Dyna-Soar being launched using a Titan booster, with large fins added to the Titan's first stage
A spaceplane is a vehicle that can fly and glide like an aircraft in Earth's atmosphere and maneuver like a spacecraft in outer space. To do so, spaceplanes must incorporate features of both aircraft and spacecraft. Orbital spaceplanes tend to be more similar to conventional spacecraft, while sub-orbital spaceplanes tend to be more similar to fixed-wing aircraft. All spaceplanes to date have been rocket-powered for takeoff and climb, but have then landed as unpowered gliders.
Space Shuttle Discovery
X-37B after landing.
Dream Chaser test vehicle.
Landing of Space Shuttle Atlantis, a crewed orbital spaceplane