Posted: Thu, Sep 6, 2001, 3:35 PM ET (1935 GMT)
The US Air Force will not provide money to continue the X-33 and X-34 programs, effectively putting the last nail in the coffin of the troubled launch vehicle technology programs. SPACE.com reported Wednesday that the Air Force has decided against putting in any money of its own to continue those two programs; Air Force officials did not comment on their decision. NASA decided earlier this year not to continue funding either program and instead focus on the new Space Launch Initiative (SLI) effort after both programs ran into lengthy delays and cost increases. After that decision the Air Force showed some interest in continuing either or both program, possibly turning the X-33 into a prototype of a future "space bomber". The Air Force's decision not to fund the X-33 and X-34 effectively kills any chance that the programs could be resurrected.

Related Links:

•  SPACE.com article