Masten Space System's Xaero Launch Vehicle
Two decades after NASA's DC-X vertical landing rocket tests, several private companies are experimenting with the technology. Here, the suborbital Xaero launch vehicle built by Masten Space Systems performs a tethered flight test on Feb. 21, 2011 in this still from a video by Masten officials.
Armadillo's Dalek Spacecraft
Two decades after NASA's DC-X vertical landing rocket tests, several private companies are experimenting with the technology. Here, a test shot of Dalek, under development by Armadillo Aerospace of Rockwall, Texas, lifting off from New Mexico’s Spaceport America.