Questions tagged [x-37]

The Boeing X-37, also known as the Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV), is a reusable unmanned spacecraft. It is boosted into space by a launch vehicle, then re-enters Earth's atmosphere and lands as a spaceplane.

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Why are these people wearing SCAPE Suits near the X37-B?

The following image shows the Boeing X-37 Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV) - 4, after landing at the Shuttle Landing Facility, Kennedy Space Center: Why are these people wearing a white coloured suit (...
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34 votes
2 answers
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Why is the X-37B's large nozzle offset to right from the spacecraft's mid-plane?

Perhaps I'm naive to think that the single large nozzle at the back of the X-37B is a nozzle for an engine, but regardless of the purpose, gas exiting from a nozzle will produce thrust. Is the X-37B's ...
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15 votes
2 answers
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Are the US shuttle and Buran the only space planes to have launched vertically with wings exposed?

The Space Shuttle and the Soviet/Russian Buran have launched vertically, and their wings were exposed to the full load of aerodynamic forces during the launch. Stability may come from many factors, ...
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1 vote
1 answer
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Is there any leaked information about the real purpose of the X-37B spaceplane [duplicate]

Is there any leaked information about the real purpose of the X-37B. It is said that it could be used as a multipurpose space-plane such as a spy satellite or demonstrating technologies for re-...
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13 votes
1 answer
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What is the object protruding from the left side of the payload fairing during ULA Atlas V 501 AFSPC-5 launch?

OK, What is it? I have not noticed it on previous launches. It's also visible in AFSPC-5 launch videos, for example in this one: And it also comes into view ...
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15 votes
2 answers
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Can X-37B dock with the ISS

X-37 can fly in the same orbit as ISS but can they dock?
9 votes
1 answer
792 views

What are the features on X-37 fairing/transport jig

Is the structure on the bottom side of the X-37 in this photo a launch fairing or a transport jig? In either case, what are the arrays of transparent-looking round things on it?
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16 votes
1 answer
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What could the X-37 be useful for?

While U.S. Air Force doesn't disclose the tasks and roles for the X-37 Orbital Test Vehicle class spacecrafts, there are many things known about the vessel, such as its delta-v budget, its cargo bay ...
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