Europe's contributions to the X-38 vehicle are highlighted. The X-38 is the prototype for a Crew Return Vehicle (CRV) for the International Space Station, designed to allow the station's seven crewmembers to reach Earth safely in the event of an emergency. An orbital and reentry test flight of the X-38 from the Space Shuttle is planned for 2001. The operational CRV could be attached to the ISS in 2003, replacing the 3-person Russian Soyuz that will be used once permanent occupation begins in early 2000. [Image Date: 1999] [99.05.006-001]