X-38 Crew Return Vehicle

The X-38 Crew Return Vehicle was a prototype spacecraft developed by NASA to provide a safe way for astronauts to return to Earth from space stations, specifically the International Space Station. Designed to be launched from the station, it functioned as a lifeboat, capable of re-entering Earth's atmosphere and landing safely on the ground. The vehicle featured a lifting body design for stability during re-entry, and was part of efforts to develop automated, reliable emergency evacuation systems for crewed space missions. Though it was eventually discontinued, its technology influenced future spacecraft design.