| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name & Type | X-37B (Orbital Test Vehicle - OTV), unmanned, reusable spaceplane. |
| Developed By | Initially NASA, later Boeing for the U.S. Department of Defense. |
| Operator | U.S. Space Force (previously U.S. Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office). |
| First Launch | 2010. |
| Dimensions | 9 m long, 4.5 m wingspan; payload bay similar to a small pickup truck bed. |
| Mission Duration | Record: 908 days (can stay in orbit for over 900 days). |
| Primary Purpose | Testing reusable spacecraft tech, conducting classified experiments (surveillance, sensors, materials, potential space weapons). |
| Key Comparisons | vs Traditional Satellites: Reusable, maneuverable, military-focused. vs SpaceX Rockets: Smaller payload, orbital focus. vs Space Shuttle: Unmanned, cheaper, experimental. vs China's Shenlong: Part of U.S.-China space race. |
| Strategic Role | Enhances U.S. space dominance, potential space warfare applications, rapid deployment advantage. |
Workflow
Login
Contact Counsellor