The Valkyrie would have a crew module trailing 10 kilometers behind the engine.

The fuel tank might be placed between the crew module and the engine, to further protect it.

The airlock opened into the midsection of the crew module.

The entire crew module was protected in the same manner that a storm shelter would have been.

The changes will probably reduce the size of the crew modules and simplifying the construction work that astronauts would have to undertake in space.

Harbin saw that they had indeed hit the crew module dead-on, probably at the bridge.

Must have hit part of the crew module, he thought.

It is intended to support the crew module from launch through separation prior to reentry.

The crew module would need built-in escape and rescue capabilities for the people aboard.