ASSET
From the placard:
The ASSET (Aerothermodynaic/elastic Structural Systems Environmental
Tests) program was the first phase of START (Spacecraft Technology and
Advanced Re-entry Tests). This was a USAF research program designed
to develop a reusable, maneuverable, re-entry vehicle capable of being
flown from earth orbit to a precise landing point on earth. Since
wings provide no lift in space and would be damaged by the forces of
re-entry, engineers developed wingless vehicles known as lifting bodies
which derive aerodynamic lift from their shape alone. These aircraft
would re-enter the earth's atmosphere at a flat gliding angle and
could be maneuvered to a landing at a conventional airfield. This
eliminated the massive maritime recovery forces needed for the re-entry
capsules used in the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs (which had
very little maneuverability).
The ASSET vehicles were built by McDonnell Aircraft Corp. Six were
launched on Thor boosters during 1963-65. Once the ASSET vehicle
reached an altitude of about 195,000 ft. (59,280 m.), it separated
from its booster and began re-entry while radioing data to scientists
on earth. Measurements of temperature, pressure, and heat transfer
rates and other scientific data were collected. The program also
provided test data on materials and structural design concepts and
various theories relating to space flight. This ASSET vehicle was the
only one to be recovered. It was transferred to the museum in
1968.
