Advanced Space Transportation Our Goals and Objectives provide direction for our Enterprise programs. They reach out beyond what can be accomplished today, stretching the imagination. They force us to think of new technologies, new systems and new models for air and space transportation operations. Our Goals and Objectives are written as outcomes to serve as a constant reminder that we must work with our industry and FAA partners to ensure our technologies are implemented. To achieve the full potential of space for all human endeavor through safe, affordable and reliable space transportation.
Space is the next frontier for our evolving transportation system.
As we move out from the planet, we open up new territory for exploration and development. We envision that technology will enable us to do two things. First, technology will extend our reach, enabling us to explore further into space. This will require developing technologies that enable new launch and in-space transportation systems with orders of magnitude improvement in safety, cost and reliability. In 1999, the X-33 technology demonstration flight vehicle will begin its flight test program over the western United States, flying at up to 15 times the speed of sound.