Two airframes were manufactured. They have flown a total of 15 flights between 1997-2001. This Advanced Technology Demonstrator for a Crew Return Vehicle from the International Space Station completed four captive flights beneath B-52 0008 during 1997, three in 1998, and then performed its first drop test on March 12, 1998, using a steerable, parafoil parachute. During 1999, the X-38 had successful free flights on Feb. 6, Mar. 5, July 9 with two separate vehicles, one with and one without flight control surfaces. A captive-carry flight of Vehicle 132 attached to the B-52 mothership took place on Sept. 13, with most flight objectives reached, followed by another captive-carry flight on Nov. 18. Employing a lifting-body concept, the X-38 is expected to be developed for a fraction of the costs of previous human space vehicles.