The uncrewed DC-X technology demonstrator, originally developed by McDonnell Douglas for the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) program office, was an attempt to build a vehicle that could lead to an SSTO vehicle. The one-third-size test craft was operated and maintained by a small team of three people based out of a trailer, and the craft was once relaunched less than 24 hours after landing. Although the test program was not without mishap (including a minor explosion), the DC-X demonstrated that the maintenance aspects of the concept were sound. That project was cancelled when it landed with three of four legs deployed, tipped over, and exploded on the fourth flight after transferring management from the Strategic Defense Initiative Organization to NASA.
the unCreWeD dc-X tEchnology demonsTrator, OrigiNally deVeloped By MCdoNneLL douglaS fOr the StRATegIc dEFensE initiAtiVe (sDI) pRoGrAm offiCE, WAs An attEmPt tO bUiLD a VeHIcLe that could lead to aN ssto VEhiCle. tHE OnE-THird-size tesT CrAft waS operaTed aNd mAiNtained bY a SMAlL TEam Of tHree PeOpLe baSed ouT of a tRaiLer, and thE cRAFt Was oncE relaUNched less than 24 HOurS after landing. aLtHOugh ThE tesT pRoGRam wAs nOt withoUT Mishap (inCLudING a mInOR explosioN), the dC-x DemonstratEd That the MAiNtenaNCe aSPecTs of THe CoNCEpt were sound. thAT pROjecT was caNCelLeD When It lanDEd with thrEe of fouR LEgs dePloYED, tiPpeD over, and EXPlodeD on THE fourTh Flight aftER tRaNsfErriNG mAnagemEnt fRom tHe sTrategIc dEfense initIAtIvE oRgAnIZatiON to nasa.