4 thoughts on “X-37”

  1. Unless the article was stealth edited, it never refers to the X-37 as a space shuttle. The article does say it resembles the former NASA called Space Shuttle orbiter, but that’s as close as the article gets to calling it a space shuttle. It is called a Space Plane, which I think is arguable for aeronautic purist. Some didn’t consider Yeager’s X-1 a plane until it demonstrated take-off and landing on its own Until then it was just a manned and piloted rocket to some.

    The article does provide an odd quote that suggests the X-37B has a minimum on-orbit operating time of 200 days. I think what is meant is that is the shortest duration flight and not an actual operating limit. If an actual limit, I’m curious what orbit that thing is flying.

    I find it interesting how excited some are about it’s classified nature. I guess if it that’s what it takes to make space interesting.

    2. Amateur astronomers track it. IIRC, its been over places like NK, Iran, and other areas of interest. Having two of them is nice but having a fleet would be better. We have some launch silos that could be renovated.

      1. It’s a demonstrator.

        It may provide the basis for a more capable vehicle that won’t be so easy to track.

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