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Why it matters: Back in the 90s, NASA had a bold vision: to develop a reusable space plane called the X-33 that could dramatically reduce the cost of launching payloads into orbit. However, the agency ultimately scrapped the program in 2001 due to technical challenges. Now, that dream is being revived by an ambitious Seattle startup determined to finish what NASA started over two decades ago.
Radian Aerospace is developing Radian One, a fully reusable space plane designed to transport up to five astronauts into space as many as 100 times. The company raised an impressive $28 million in funding in 2022. Leading the effort is Livingston Holder, former NASA program manager for the ill-fated X-33, who now serves as Radian’s chief technology officer.
Holder believes that reviving the space plane concept is far more feasible today than it was …