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X-37B

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X-37B The X-37B is a reusable United States Air Force (USAF) spaceplane that has been operated by the Boeing company in partnership with the United States Space Force (USSF). The X-37B program was developed by the USAF in 2004, with the first launch occurring in 2010. The spaceplane is designed to test reusable spacecraft technologies and perform various space missions.

Overview

The X-37B spaceplane is a derivative of the NASA X-37 program, which was initially designed to test reusable spacecraft technologies. The X-37B is significantly larger than its predecessor, with a length of 29 feet (8.8 meters) and a wingspan of 15 feet (4.6 meters). The spaceplane is launched into space using a Atlas V or Falcon 9 launch vehicle, and it can stay in orbit for up to 2 years.

Design and specifications

The X-37B has a mass of approximately 19,000 pounds (8,618 kilograms) and is powered by a Hall effect thruster propulsion system. The spaceplane has a thermal protection system (TPS) that protects it from the extreme temperatures experienced during re-entry. The X-37B is equipped with a reaction control system (RCS) that enables it to maneuver in space. The spaceplane's orbital maneuvering system (OMS) allows it to change its orbit and perform various space missions.

Mission history and operations

The X-37B has completed several successful missions, including OTV-1 (Orbital Test Vehicle 1) in 2010, OTV-2 in 2011, and OTV-3 in 2012. The spaceplane has also completed several other missions, including OTV-4 in 2014, OTV-5 in 2017, and OTV-6 in 2020. The X-37B has demonstrated its ability to perform a variety of space missions, including technology demonstration, space weather research, and Earth observation.

Capabilities and payloads

The X-37B has a payload capacity of approximately 5,000 pounds (2,268 kilograms) and can carry a variety of payloads, including scientific instruments, technology demonstrators, and military payloads. The spaceplane has a payload bay that can be used to deploy satellites or other spacecraft. The X-37B has also demonstrated its ability to carry out on-orbit servicing and space situational awareness missions.

Future developments and variants

The X-37B program is expected to continue with future missions, including OTV-7 and beyond. The USSF has announced plans to develop a new variant of the X-37B, which will be used for future space missions. The Boeing company is also working on a new spaceplane design, which is expected to be used for future commercial spaceflight missions.

Category:Spacecraft Category:USAF Category:Boeing Category:Space Force Category:Reusable spacecraft Category:Spaceplane