X37 Space Plane
Why the new x 37 space plane mission is a big deal the experiment is one of the brightest signals yet that the u s.
X37 space plane. The robotic vehicle resembles nasa s. The spaceplane which looks a bit like a miniature space shuttle landed at nasa s kennedy space center in florida on october 27th after spending a total of 780 days or more than two years in. The boeing x 37 also known as the orbital test vehicle otv is a reusable robotic spacecraft.
It is boosted into space by a launch vehicle then re enters earth s atmosphere and lands as a spaceplane. Sunday is go day. The robotic vehicle resembles nasa s.
The x 37 is operated by the united states space force for orbital spaceflight missions intended to demonstrate reusable space technologies. Air force s unmanned x 37b space plane has flown four clandestine missions to date carrying secret payloads on long duration flights in earth orbit. Plans to pursue grand world changing ideas like space solar power.
Barrett announced the flight of the x 37b on may 6 during a livestreamed event hosted by the space foundation alongside the space force s chief of space operations gen.