[r9etb]

A fully operational fleet of space planes -- the number yet to be determined -- is eyed to be up and running in the 2010 to 2012 time frame.

What this tells me is that the DoD already has "space planes" flying, and perhaps even operational.

[AFreeBird]

What this tells me is that the DoD already has "space planes" flying, and perhaps even operational.

Wouldn't doubt it.

Hell, Kelly Johnson's 60's sliderule/technology of the SR-71 damn near got you there way back when. Imagine what the black project types have been able to work on with CAD computers and say 70's/80's technology. We've seen a lot of it in the stealth birds, but I suspect there's a lot we haven't seen too.