Secret Boeing X-37B: return from space
On October 27, the Boeing X-37B pilot aircraft landed at the Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida. His last flight began in September 2017 and lasted more than two years. During this time, the machine managed to conduct a number of different experiments and test some new systems. A few months later, the spaceplane will again go into orbit.
Start of the OTV-5 mission, September 7 2017, Photo SpaceX / spacex.com
The last flight of the experimental X-37B at the moment began on 7 on September 2017. The device was the main load of the Falcon 9 launch vehicle, launched from the Launch Complex 39 of the Kennedy Center. Together with the spaceplane, several compact and light satellites were sent into orbit. The mission received the OTV-5 code (Orbital Test Vehicle 5).
Unfortunately, most of the X-37B flight information is secret and not disclosed. However, some data were published in official and unofficial sources. So, it is known that the device was launched into a higher orbit. During the flight, he repeatedly performed maneuvers, including with a change of orbit. Some experiments were conducted, the full list of which is still secret.
27 October 2019 at eight o’clock in the morning in GMT X-37B completed descent from orbit, made a call to the SLF airfield and landed. The flight of the OTV-5 lasted 779 days, 17 hours and 51 minutes. At the moment, this mission is the longest in the framework of the X-37B program. The previous record (717 days and 20 hours) belonged to the flight OTV-4, which took place in 2015-17.
X-37B after landing, October 27 2019. Photo by US Air Force
The U.S. Air Force has already commented on the last flight of the X-37B and its results. It is alleged that the mission confirmed the importance of a reusable spacecraft. The record flight duration showed all the advantages of cooperation between the state and industry. With the advent of the X-37B, Air Force capabilities are no longer limited to airspace only.
For obvious reasons, the full list of goals and objectives of the OTV-5 mission is not disclosed. However, officials disclosed some flight information. In addition, some of the data became known from unofficial sources. Based on this information, certain assumptions can be made.
Previous X-37B flights were carried out with the Atlas V launch vehicle. The OTV-5 mission first used a different carrier and was made possible thanks to the Falcon 9 product. Changing the launch vehicle can be considered one of the flight experiments. The spacecraft successfully reached orbit, which indicates the success of such an experiment.
It is known that during the current and previous flights, the X-37B did not stay in one orbit, but performed various maneuvers. This indicates the testing of the power plant and on-board control systems. Thus, the spaceplane once again confirmed its ability to change the orbit to solve certain problems.
X-37B before leaving the runway. Photo US Air Force
On board the X-37B there was a certain payload, of which very little is known. In 2017, the Air Force Laboratory announced experiments with the advanced Advanced Structurally Embedded Thermal Spreader II (ASETS II) radiator. They planned to install this product on a spaceship and send it into orbit. Probably, over the past two years, the radiator has performed its functions under the supervision of control equipment, and now experts have to draw conclusions.
Most likely, the X-37B carried another payload. In July of this year, an extremely interesting photograph taken from Earth was published. One of the astronomers managed to remove a certain spacecraft in orbit. Characteristic contours made it possible to recognize the secret X-37B in it. Moreover, it was assumed that at the time of the survey, the spaceplane opened the cargo compartment and performed certain operations with the load.
Indeed, in the central part of the X-37B fuselage there is a volume cargo compartment with access through the upper hatch. However, the quality of the photo taken through the telescope did not allow us to accurately see the position of the shutters - not to mention the payload brought out or placed inside.
ASETS II product tested on board the X-37B. Photo Air Force Research Laboratory
However, of all the data on the goals of the OTV-5 mission, only information on testing a promising cooling system has received confirmation so far. Other information is still at the level of rumors and speculation.
It has already been announced that the recent flight of the X-37B will not be the last. In the coming months, experienced equipment will undergo the necessary maintenance. In addition, it will be equipped with new instruments and devices necessary for conducting new experiments. After that, preparations for the sixth flight under the OTV-6 index will begin.
According to open data, the sixth flight will begin in the second quarter of 2020. The Cosmoplan will be launched into orbit with the help of the Atlas V launch vehicle, which has established itself well in the pilot program.
The list of planned experiments in orbit, for obvious reasons, has not been announced. Moreover, there is every reason to believe that the Air Force and NASA will again be limited only to information about individual plans, while the most interesting works will remain a mystery. The duration of the flight is also unknown. It is possible that this time the X-37B will set a new record for the time spent in orbit.
The first flight of the experimental X-37B took place in 2010 and took place in an atmosphere of secrecy. The general public was disclosed only the most general data about the mission, without going into details. After that, four more flights took place, and preparations for the fifth began - but the approach to reporting on events remains the same. The US Air Force is in no hurry to disclose all the data, which contributes to the emergence of various rumors and fears.
Assembled unit with ASETS II radiator. Photo Air Force Research Laboratory
According to official data, the Boeing X-37B project pursues exclusively scientific goals and is designed to test promising technologies, with the use of which the further development of astronautics will be carried out. However, the project is being implemented by order of the air force, which may hint at its special purpose. Moreover, the Air Force is already talking in plain text about its potential and benefits for them.
Due to the lack of desired data on the true purpose of the X-37B, a lot of the most daring and scary rumors are circulating. According to various estimates, this experimental apparatus can be used to output or return various satellites of suitable sizes. It can also be used for reconnaissance of space and ground objects. A military mission is not excluded - in the cargo compartment, in theory, some can fit weapon.
The US Air Force, Boeing and NASA do not comment on rumors and ratings. Instead, they talk about great successes or about testing the radiator. At the same time, preparations are underway for the next test flight, which will start in a few months. As before, the customer and contractors do not disclose their plans.
Despite the absence of most of the necessary information, some important conclusions can be drawn about the progress and results of the five flights of the experimental X-37B. They are confirmed by practice and official data.
Shot of the X-37B during flight. Photo by Ralf Vandebergh / Space.com
The events of recent years show that Boeing was able to create a promising aircraft for working in orbit, capable of taking on board some payload. The flight into space is carried out on a launch vehicle, and the descent - on their own, "in an airplane." In practice, it was possible to confirm that the resulting machine is able to remain in space and perform tasks for months and even years. There are other characteristic features that distinguish it from space technology of other classes.
X-37B turns out to be a multi-purpose space tool suitable for performing various kinds of work in orbit. In some situations, it can complement satellites, and in others - replace. In addition, it can solve certain problems that are inaccessible to traditional orbital vehicles. As a result, the US Air Force’s interest in the project is understandable and justified. The Pentagon intends to develop technology and actively explore new areas - X-37B fully fits into such plans and helps to implement them.
Work on the X-37B project is ongoing, and in the near future the experimental aircraft will again go into space. It should be expected that during the next test flight under the designation OTV-6, the product will solve various research and technical problems, but the Air Force, Boeing and NASA will not reveal interesting details. A new tool for the air force continues to protect from prying eyes.
Start of the OTV-5 mission, September 7 2017, Photo SpaceX / spacex.com
Flight progress
The last flight of the experimental X-37B at the moment began on 7 on September 2017. The device was the main load of the Falcon 9 launch vehicle, launched from the Launch Complex 39 of the Kennedy Center. Together with the spaceplane, several compact and light satellites were sent into orbit. The mission received the OTV-5 code (Orbital Test Vehicle 5).
Unfortunately, most of the X-37B flight information is secret and not disclosed. However, some data were published in official and unofficial sources. So, it is known that the device was launched into a higher orbit. During the flight, he repeatedly performed maneuvers, including with a change of orbit. Some experiments were conducted, the full list of which is still secret.
27 October 2019 at eight o’clock in the morning in GMT X-37B completed descent from orbit, made a call to the SLF airfield and landed. The flight of the OTV-5 lasted 779 days, 17 hours and 51 minutes. At the moment, this mission is the longest in the framework of the X-37B program. The previous record (717 days and 20 hours) belonged to the flight OTV-4, which took place in 2015-17.
X-37B after landing, October 27 2019. Photo by US Air Force
The U.S. Air Force has already commented on the last flight of the X-37B and its results. It is alleged that the mission confirmed the importance of a reusable spacecraft. The record flight duration showed all the advantages of cooperation between the state and industry. With the advent of the X-37B, Air Force capabilities are no longer limited to airspace only.
Secret quests
For obvious reasons, the full list of goals and objectives of the OTV-5 mission is not disclosed. However, officials disclosed some flight information. In addition, some of the data became known from unofficial sources. Based on this information, certain assumptions can be made.
Previous X-37B flights were carried out with the Atlas V launch vehicle. The OTV-5 mission first used a different carrier and was made possible thanks to the Falcon 9 product. Changing the launch vehicle can be considered one of the flight experiments. The spacecraft successfully reached orbit, which indicates the success of such an experiment.
It is known that during the current and previous flights, the X-37B did not stay in one orbit, but performed various maneuvers. This indicates the testing of the power plant and on-board control systems. Thus, the spaceplane once again confirmed its ability to change the orbit to solve certain problems.
X-37B before leaving the runway. Photo US Air Force
On board the X-37B there was a certain payload, of which very little is known. In 2017, the Air Force Laboratory announced experiments with the advanced Advanced Structurally Embedded Thermal Spreader II (ASETS II) radiator. They planned to install this product on a spaceship and send it into orbit. Probably, over the past two years, the radiator has performed its functions under the supervision of control equipment, and now experts have to draw conclusions.
Most likely, the X-37B carried another payload. In July of this year, an extremely interesting photograph taken from Earth was published. One of the astronomers managed to remove a certain spacecraft in orbit. Characteristic contours made it possible to recognize the secret X-37B in it. Moreover, it was assumed that at the time of the survey, the spaceplane opened the cargo compartment and performed certain operations with the load.
Indeed, in the central part of the X-37B fuselage there is a volume cargo compartment with access through the upper hatch. However, the quality of the photo taken through the telescope did not allow us to accurately see the position of the shutters - not to mention the payload brought out or placed inside.
ASETS II product tested on board the X-37B. Photo Air Force Research Laboratory
However, of all the data on the goals of the OTV-5 mission, only information on testing a promising cooling system has received confirmation so far. Other information is still at the level of rumors and speculation.
Plans for the future
It has already been announced that the recent flight of the X-37B will not be the last. In the coming months, experienced equipment will undergo the necessary maintenance. In addition, it will be equipped with new instruments and devices necessary for conducting new experiments. After that, preparations for the sixth flight under the OTV-6 index will begin.
According to open data, the sixth flight will begin in the second quarter of 2020. The Cosmoplan will be launched into orbit with the help of the Atlas V launch vehicle, which has established itself well in the pilot program.
The list of planned experiments in orbit, for obvious reasons, has not been announced. Moreover, there is every reason to believe that the Air Force and NASA will again be limited only to information about individual plans, while the most interesting works will remain a mystery. The duration of the flight is also unknown. It is possible that this time the X-37B will set a new record for the time spent in orbit.
Unanswered Questions
The first flight of the experimental X-37B took place in 2010 and took place in an atmosphere of secrecy. The general public was disclosed only the most general data about the mission, without going into details. After that, four more flights took place, and preparations for the fifth began - but the approach to reporting on events remains the same. The US Air Force is in no hurry to disclose all the data, which contributes to the emergence of various rumors and fears.
Assembled unit with ASETS II radiator. Photo Air Force Research Laboratory
According to official data, the Boeing X-37B project pursues exclusively scientific goals and is designed to test promising technologies, with the use of which the further development of astronautics will be carried out. However, the project is being implemented by order of the air force, which may hint at its special purpose. Moreover, the Air Force is already talking in plain text about its potential and benefits for them.
Due to the lack of desired data on the true purpose of the X-37B, a lot of the most daring and scary rumors are circulating. According to various estimates, this experimental apparatus can be used to output or return various satellites of suitable sizes. It can also be used for reconnaissance of space and ground objects. A military mission is not excluded - in the cargo compartment, in theory, some can fit weapon.
The US Air Force, Boeing and NASA do not comment on rumors and ratings. Instead, they talk about great successes or about testing the radiator. At the same time, preparations are underway for the next test flight, which will start in a few months. As before, the customer and contractors do not disclose their plans.
Obvious conclusions
Despite the absence of most of the necessary information, some important conclusions can be drawn about the progress and results of the five flights of the experimental X-37B. They are confirmed by practice and official data.
Shot of the X-37B during flight. Photo by Ralf Vandebergh / Space.com
The events of recent years show that Boeing was able to create a promising aircraft for working in orbit, capable of taking on board some payload. The flight into space is carried out on a launch vehicle, and the descent - on their own, "in an airplane." In practice, it was possible to confirm that the resulting machine is able to remain in space and perform tasks for months and even years. There are other characteristic features that distinguish it from space technology of other classes.
X-37B turns out to be a multi-purpose space tool suitable for performing various kinds of work in orbit. In some situations, it can complement satellites, and in others - replace. In addition, it can solve certain problems that are inaccessible to traditional orbital vehicles. As a result, the US Air Force’s interest in the project is understandable and justified. The Pentagon intends to develop technology and actively explore new areas - X-37B fully fits into such plans and helps to implement them.
Work on the X-37B project is ongoing, and in the near future the experimental aircraft will again go into space. It should be expected that during the next test flight under the designation OTV-6, the product will solve various research and technical problems, but the Air Force, Boeing and NASA will not reveal interesting details. A new tool for the air force continues to protect from prying eyes.
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