X-4 marked the final X-Series rocket to be tested after it's successful flight today. It's mission was the most complicated yet in that it had to mimic R-5's success with it's more sophisticated and heavier systems. We saw the two-stage system reappear, except this time the probe had to survive re-entry from an orbital altitude.
X-4 at lift-off, sporting four control-fins instead of the traditional three
X-4 lifted off and aimed for an altitude of +70km. The rocket motor was shut off at 40km and the vehicle coasted to a peak altitude of 75.8km. X-4 made a first for rocketry when the engine was restarted for a course correction. This proved that a restart was possible in space, which is an essential feature for future missions.
On the return, the X-4 probe jettisoned the rocket stage at an altitude of 65km and on-board systems detected re-entry heat at 19km. By this stage, the probe was travelling at 860m/s. For the probe to survive the heat of deadly re-entry, a protective heat shield was fitted to the underside of the probe. Once X-4 had slowed down enough through atmospheric friction, the parachute deployed to allow a safe landing in the sea.
The view from the recovery vessel as X-4 parachuted down
Although the batteries died before the probe splashed down, the mission was a success and ended the X-Series program.
At a press conference later, Gene Kerman said:
'Today marked the end of the Age of Rocketry. Tomorrow, we start a new era.'
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