New unmanned spacecraft set to launch

Defense Professionals ^ | 4/192010 | Staff Sgt. Vanessa Young

[ErnstStavroBlofeld]

Air Force officials are scheduled to launch the U.S.'s newest and most advanced unmanned re-entry spacecraft April 21 at Cape Canaveral Air Station, Fla.

The X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle will provide a flexible space test platform to conduct various experiments and allow satellite sensors, subsystems, components and associated technology to be efficiently transported to and from the space environment where it will need to function.

The X-37B will also prove new technology and components before they are committed to operational satellites.

The OTV is the first vehicle since NASA's shuttle orbiter that has the ability to return experiments to Earth for further inspection and analysis.

"The X-37B is the only self contained effort intended to be an economically viable experimental test platform on-orbit for months at a time and then return," said David Hamilton Jr., the Air Force Rapid Capabilities office director.

Mr. Hamilton explained the X-37B as a risk reduction vehicle for space experimentation that explores concepts of operation for a long-duration, reusable space vehicle.

"The OTV has the potential to revolutionize how the Air Force operates in space by making space operations more aircraft like and adding in the capability for returnable plug-and-play experiments," Mr. Hamilton added.

The X-37 program, while originally a NASA initiative, is now led by Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office officials, which expedite development and fielding of select Defense Department combat support and weapons systems. AFRCO officials are currently working on the X-37B program, building upon early development and testing conducted by officials from NASA, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and the Air Force Research Laboratory.

The X-37B's first flights will allow Air Force officials to evaluate the vehicle's performance and ensure the components and systems work the way they were designed.

[GonzoGOP]

For the children, ya know.

When I was four years old a guy from the next suburb over walked on the moon. I want to know how any of their social programs are going to inspire kids the way that inspired me. For the money that will be spent on "Earth Day" over the next decade we could have funded the "Get the heck off the Earth Day". But of course that would require pushing physics and mathematics rather than ethnic studies. Can't have that now can we.

[Walvoord]

Not too much. The bay is about the size of a full-sized pickup truck's bed.

I doubt it can launch or retrieve satellites, so I'm not sure what its purpose is, unless it's for quick launch surveillance during a crisis.

[r9etb]

Yeah but.. it’s supposed to look cool.

I think it looks pretty cool, actually .... form following function has a beauty all its own.

[Lazamataz]

Comeon, this was TOTALLY realistic!!!

.... the Warp Engine Nacells on the rocket were a nice touch.

[ErnstStavroBlofeld]

Its stats are modest: The vehicle tips the scales at 11,000 pounds and is just over 29 feet in length and stands slightly more than 9 1/2 feet (2.9 meters) in height. It sports a wingspan of a little over 14 feet.

[Moonman62]

The basis of the X37 is many years old, but better late than never.

[Paul Ross]

This all recalls to mind the old

X-20 Manned Dynasoar Project of the early 60s .. :

[ASOC]

KH 13.5

Spy sat tech.