The X-38 program was initiated to demonstrate the technologies required to develop a Crew Return Vehicle (CRV).  The X-38 design effort was begun at Johnson Space Center in 1995 as an alternative to the Russian Soyuz capsule, which was too small for the Station's six person crew.  The vehicle is being developed in-house by NASA at a fraction of the cost of past human space vehicles.  The goal is to take advantage of  Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) technology for 80% of the vehicle to deliver four flight units for approximately $500 million.

The X-38 / CRV will be ferried to the International Space Station by the Space Shuttle where it will remain docked for up to two years and serve as a crew life boat in the event of an emergency. X-38 demonstration tests, which began in July 1997, should enable the procurement of an operational vehicle in late 1999.

The X-38 design uses a lifting body concept originally developed by the Air Force's X-24A project in the mid-1970's. After the de-orbit engine module is jettisoned, the X-38 would glide from orbit unpowered like the Space Shuttle and then use a steerable, parafoil parachute, a technology recently developed by the Army, for its final descent to landing. Its landing gear would consist of skids rather than wheels.

Currently, atmospheric drop tests are being conducted at Dryden Flight Research Center on three test vehicles.  The drop tests will eventually increase in altitude to 50,000 feet and will include longer free-flight durations prior to parafoil deployment.  An unpiloted space test vehicle is scheduled to be deployed from the Shuttle in 2000 to assess atmospheric re-entry performance and verify the full capabilities of the system.  Assuming a satisfactory outcome, an operational system will be deployed in 2003.