NASA News Release 96-263
December 18, 1996

For the second time in as many months, government and industry managers have successfully completed a Preliminary Design Review (PDR) for the X-33 technology demonstration program. This design review for the operations segment and ground systems segment of the X-33 represents the last in a series of PDRs.

The three-day PDR conducted last week in California, with NASA and industry team members in attendance, confirmed readiness to begin detailed design of the X-33 Ground Support System and Launch Facility at Edwards Air Force Base, CA. Last month, a week-long PDR approved a baseline configuration for final detailed vehicle design and long-lead procurement. The next major milestones for the program are a series of Critical Design Reviews (CDRs) starting in January and culminating in an August Operations CDR. Construction of a 25-acre launch facility at Edwards is expected to begin in October 1997.