Air Force to launch robotic winged space plane

jmig

jmig

SOH-CM-2026
LOS ANGELES – After a decade of development, the Air Force this month plans to launch a robotic spacecraft resembling a small space shuttle to conduct technology tests in orbit and then glide home to a California runway.
The ultimate purpose of the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle and details about the craft, which has been passed between several government agencies, however, remain a mystery as it is prepared for launch April 19 from Cape Canaveral, Fla.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100403/ap_on_sc/us_mystery_spacecraft
 
This should be interesting. At least we can shuttle supplies up to the teams in orbit now, safely.

The Russians had a similar system, at least with a Soyuz capsule, but it wasnt full proof. They have lost one or two into deep space, missing the reandevous'.



Bill
 
Just checked the Cape lanch schedule over at SpaceFlightNow and there is an Atlas 5 with the X37B aboard scheduled for launch.

Launch window the 19th -20th (6:49PM - 9:12PM)

That is interesting.

FAC
 
If it's as fast as the shuttle -- and there's no reason to believe it isn't actually faster -- then the potential uses for this vehicle become wide and varied.

Cheers,

Ken
 
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