- Former X-33 aerospike engine completes test series NASA-MARSHALL NEWS RELEASE Posted: August 8, 2001 Linear Aerospike XRS-2200 flight engine is fired for a Space Launch Initiative test. Photo: NASA NASA's Second Generation Reusable Launch Vehicle Program - also known as the Space Launch Initiative - is making advances in propulsion technology with this third and final successful engine hot-fire ...spaceflightnow.com/news/n0108/08aerospike