Block II Shuttle (An Independent in 2000)

The VentureStar was a single-stage-to-orbit reusable launch vehicle developed by Boeing and funded by the U.S. government. The program grew out of the X-33 program to replace the first generation Space Shuttle with a lower cost, more survivable vehicle.

Originally operated by NASA, VentureStar-class shuttles are now used by the US Air Force, and numerous private companies. The first orbital test flight occurred in 2001, leading to operational flights beginning in 2002. In addition to the prototype and lead ship VentureStar, four vehicles were built (2 for NASA, 3 for the Air Force), and launched from the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida and Vandenberg Air Force Base in California from 2002-2005. Two additional shuttles were ordered for NASA in 2003 which were upgraded to handle in-orbit refueling for a return to the moon and the deployment of interplanetary probes, and the Kestler Space Telescope.

After the passage of the Space Act of 2007, NASA was given a budget to order 10 more VentureStar class shuttles, six of which were made available for use by private companies. In 2011, the McCain administration deregulated the space industry with a series of executive orders allowing older generation VentureStar shuttles to be sold by Boeing to private contractors. As of 2017, more than 30 VentureStar space shuttles in use in the private sector, with NASA operating a fleet of eight shuttles, and the Air Force having confirmed the use of at least 3 VentureStars for satellite repair and maintenance, but it is speculated that a much larger fleet of next generation spacecraft are in use.