The X-37B spaceplane, developed by the U.S. Department of Defense, is one of the most intriguing spacecraft in the world, regularly undertaking secret missions whose full purposes are not entirely known. However, over the years, information about the technology used on this spacecraft, also known as the Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV), has come to light.
Eight Certain Facts about the Secret Spacecraft
1. Basic Information
The X-37B is reusable, akin to a smaller version of one of NASA’s retired space shuttles, originally developed by NASA in 1999. It measures approximately 8.8 meters in length and 2.9 meters in height, with a wingspan just under 4.6 meters. It weighs 4,990 kg when on the launch pad.
Similar to the space shuttle, the X-37B takes off vertically and is propelled by a rocket. Once in orbit, it can maneuver autonomously and ultimately lands on a runway back on Earth, just like a conventional airplane. This vehicle has a small payload capacity, comparable to that of a pickup truck, capable of carrying limited cargo and satellites. It operates at altitudes ranging from 240 to 805 kilometers above Earth, according to its manufacturer, Boeing.
2. Other Military Branches Have Had It for Years
NASA transferred two X-37B units to the Pentagon’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in 2004. After being operated by the U.S. Air Force for several years, the robotic reconnaissance aircraft fell under the purview of the newly established Space Force in 2020.
The secret X-37B spaceplane of the U.S. Department of Defense.
3. No One Knows Exactly What It Is Supposed to Do
The X-37B of the U.S. Air Force, a miniaturized unmanned space shuttle, was seen after landing at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on October 27, 2019, concluding its record-setting 780-day OTV-5 mission.
Despite having completed six missions to date, the true purpose of the X-37B remains a mystery. Some possibilities include monitoring the Earth’s surface from above and deploying reconnaissance satellites, although nothing has been confirmed.
Several external hypotheses have been proposed, such as the theory that the X-37B could serve as a space bomber, a reconnaissance vehicle for China’s space station, or a platform for the U.S. military to jam other countries’ satellites.
4. It Can Exist in Space for Many Years
One of the X-37B units completed its first launch in 2010 and remained in space for 224 days. Its counterpart flew for the first time a year later and has stayed in orbit for more than double that time.
The current record for this spacecraft is 780 days (over two years) in orbit, achieved during the fifth flight of the X-37B. However, what it accomplished during that time remains a mystery.
5. It Can Be Launched by SpaceX Rockets
While the X-37B typically rides into space on United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V rocket, this vehicle has the capability to be launched by various rockets. During its fifth mission in 2017, the military made a slight change and used a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket to place it into orbit.
6. Civilians Have Captured Photos of the X-37B
Despite being part of a secret military asset, the X-37B has not escaped detection by civilian skywatchers. The launch times for this spacecraft are publicly announced, allowing satellite tracking expert Russell Eberst from Edinburgh, Scotland, to locate it in the sky and see it through a telescope in October 2017. Sky management company Cees Bassa, based in the Netherlands, also accomplished this that year.
Additionally, a Dutch skywatcher and satellite tracker named Ralf Vandebergh was able to photograph the robotic vehicle as it passed overhead in 2019.
7. It Can Conduct Experiments
Not long before the most recent launch of the X-37B in 2020, the U.S. military revealed that this reconnaissance aircraft has a new service module attached to its rear, allowing it to conduct a wide range of experiments in orbit.
The mission deployed a small satellite called FalconSat-8, which contained five experimental payloads, some developed by the U.S. Air Force and others by NASA.
Although NASA had stated that it had conducted test flights on previous X-37B missions, this was the first time the military disclosed any specific details about it.
8. It Has Won Awards
In 2020, the X-37B was awarded the Collier Trophy, one of the most prestigious awards in aviation, for pushing the “boundaries of flight and space exploration.” Air Force leader Barbara Barrett stated: “The technology of the X-37B is highly sophisticated and utilizes non-deformable technology. It is reusable and can operate experiments in space, then be returned to Earth for further examination.”
