Photos: NASA's DC-X Rocket for Vertical Space Launches & Landings

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Masten Space System's Xaero Launch Vehicle

Masten Space Systems

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

Armadillo

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.

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Space.com Staff
Space.com Staff
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Space.com is the premier source of space exploration, innovation and astronomy news, chronicling (and celebrating) humanity's ongoing expansion across the final frontier. Originally founded in 1999, Space.com is, and always has been, the passion of writers and editors who are space fans and also trained journalists. Our current news team consists of Editor-in-Chief Tariq Malik; Editor Hanneke Weitering, Senior Space Writer Mike Wall; Senior Writer Meghan Bartels; Senior Writer Chelsea Gohd, Senior Writer Tereza Pultarova and Staff Writer Alexander Cox, focusing on e-commerce. Senior Producer Steve Spaleta oversees our space videos, with Diana Whitcroft as our Social Media Editor. 

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