In 2036, NASA re-launched the Space shuttle program in competition with SpaceX to get mining equipment into space efficiently due to regulations on asteroid mining now expiring. The product of this?? The X-85 Delta semi-atmospheric mining shuttle (SAMV) with the unique feature of using no control surfaces and instead opting for small thrusters and its giant lifting body, even with extreme success in mining operations the Delta was ultimately beaten by SpaceX's more modular and well-proven Starship. NASA didn't give up on the program and the Delta was modified for space exploration, In 2038 the X-85B Explorer Delta was born!

Length: 65m

Propulsion system: Twin GE3785-25 Hydrogen Air-breathing/Oxidizer Hybrid Aerospike Rocket engines, Single SLT-165 high-capacity Rocket

Top speed in atmospheric flight: Mach 2.5

Weight capacity: 40 Tonnes 

Crew: 25