US Launches “Secret” Spaceship
Obviously it’s not a secret if it’s on the internet, but not exactly public knowledge either if it’s only discussed on Iranian websites and Space.com. Let’s change that – here’s what we’ve found thus far, feel free to discuss:
Illustration of what X37b can do in orbit
The Pentagon has set April 21 as the date for the launch of the robotic space plane known as the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV), which is a reusable unmanned plane capable of long outer space missions at low orbits.
Since the nature of the project is shrouded in mystery, defense analysts allege that the US military is building the first generation of US ‘space Predator drones’ that will build up the United States’ space armada …
That’s from Iran’s PressTV website – US to launch secret ‘space warplane’
You’ll find lots more technical details @ Secret Military Space Plane Primed For Test Launch on SPACE.com – like these:
The 29-foot-long, 15-foot-wide Orbital Test Vehicle arrived in Cape Canaveral, Fla., last month according to the Air Force. The OTV spaceplane was built at a Boeing Phantom Works facility in Southern California. …
The reusable spacecraft is more famously known as the X-37B. The design is based on the orbital and re-entry demonstrator initially developed by NASA, then handed over to the Pentagon. …
The X-37B’s mission is to “demonstrate a reliable, reusable, unmanned space test platform for the United States Air Force,” the military fact sheet says. “Objectives of the OTV program include space experimentation, risk reduction and concept of operations development for reusable space vehicle technologies.”
At the end of its mission, the X-37B will fire its engine and drop from orbit, autonomously navigating through a fiery re-entry on the way to its 15,000-foot-long primary runway at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. Edwards Air Force Base is the backup landing site.
Shady enuff for ya?
