Oversized Rockwell X-30 National Aero-Space Plane (NASP) model made by Penwal Industries, Inc., for NASA's AESP program circa 1982. The fiberglass model measures 36.5″ in length with a wingspan of 17.5″, and is mounted atop a wooden base measuring 11″ x 6″ x 1.25, to a height of 20″; the top of the base is stamped “Void,” and bears an affixed brass plaque that reads, “36″ NASP, National Aerospace Plane,” and a metal NASA “U.S. Gov’t Aerospace Education Services Program” label numbered “3118.” Bottom of base features a Penwal label and is marked in black felt tip, “NASA / AESP, #3118.” The model features various United States decals, with underside featuring a matching AESP label. In very good condition, with left tail fin detached but present; chips and cracks to underside of model, namely where model is mounted to base; a crack to base of right tail fin; and the detached tail fin chipped with some small fragments missing. Accompanied by a large hardshell storage briefcase, which measures 42.5″ x 24.5″ x 8″. The X-30 NASP National Aero-Space Plane was a conceptual single-stage-to-orbit spacecraft that never made it to the prototype phase as the program was canceled in the early 1990s after years of development. It was to be a scram-jet based aircraft, with a maximum speed of Mach 8.
