X-37 program is originally a NASA initiative, transferred to Defense.
-Basic explanation of program: af.mil; and -X-37's history.
NASA's X-37B is an advanced technology flight demonstrator, a decade in the making; & will help define the future of space transportation - Testing future launch technologies in orbit and reentry environments...Unlike the shuttle, it will be launched like a satellite, housed in a fairing atop an expendable Atlas V rocket, and deploy solar panels to provide electrical power in orbit. Read. -VIDEO: Atlas V booster! HERE.
In 2006, captive-carry & drop tests using Mojave-based Scaled Composite LLC's White Knight jet; launched SpaceShipOne on its first private suborbital manned space flight...
-Image:*Burt Rutan LiveScience.
On April 19th, 2010... We'll be checking out the performance of the vehicle itself; to become a space test platform with unspecified components flown in its experiment bay. Read.
*Burt Rutan is owner of Scaled Composites Inc; & designer of SpaceshipOne’s technology; licensed by Branson's V.G. Read.
The X-37 Approach and Landing Test Vehicle (ALTV) was an experimental autonomous vehicle designed to demonstrate advanced space flight technologies...-About X-37's history.
-Interesting article on "First Flights" (EAFB) [PDF]
"90 percent of your risk in a total program comes with a first flight. There is no nice in-between milestone."
The Air Force released only a general description of the mission X-37B's objectives: "testing of guidance, navigation, control, thermal protection and autonomous operation in orbit, re-entry and landing." #... But amidst basic goals, will come the team's truly cutting-edge technology for the new age of extended space travel; separating taxi, cargo, & luxury!
-Robotic Streamline which detaches from 'cargo'... *<[;o)~~
Meanwhile...
--Discovery Space Shuttle mission, lifts off! -Trucking cargo to space: A 6:21 a.m. Crew of seven and 10 tons of supplies and equipment bound for the ISS...read.
Whew! Only 3 more stockpiling missions remain...
As Mission ISS draws completion...
Time to use resources to explore, via state-of-the-art "unmanned" craft! Perfecting logistics for interplanetary travel; to forge that path toward new age 'post-earth' technology...
