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For several years the NASA Langley Research Center has conducted in-depth research in supporting technology advancement for a concept which could complement the Space Shuttle operation and ensure the ability to transport people to and from earth orbit. The concept is called the HL-20 Lifting-Body and it has been defined as an option for future development as a Personnel Launch System (PLS). This paper will describe early lifting-body research, expected PLS mission requirements, the HL-20 concept design status, and those features which enhance aerodynamic and aerothermodynamic performance, operation efficiency, maintainability, reliability, and crew safety. The HL-20 concept evolved from early lifting-body research in the 60's and 70's and has been designed for the primary mission of changing the Space Station Freedom crew. It is sized to accommodate eight passengers plus a flight crew of two. The duration of the mission is 3 days.