On October 27, an experimental aircraft Boeing X-37B landed at the Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida. Its last flight began in September 2017 and lasted over two years. During this time, the machine managed to carry out a number of different experiments and test some new systems. In a few months, the spaceplane will have to go back into orbit.
Flight progress
The last flight of the experienced X-37B began on September 7, 2017. The device was the main load of the Falcon 9 launch vehicle, launched from Launch Complex 39 of the Kennedy Center. Together with the spaceplane, several compact and light satellites were sent into orbit. The mission received the code OTV-5 (Orbital Test Vehicle 5).
Unfortunately, most of the information about the X-37B's flight is classified 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, incl. with a change of orbit. Some experiments were carried out, the full list of which is still secret.
On October 27, 2019 at 8:00 am GMT, the X-37B completed its descent from orbit, made an approach to the SLF airfield and landed. The OTV-5 flight 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 OTV-4 flight, which took place in 2015-17.
The US Air Force has already commented on the latest X-37B flight and its results. The mission is said to have confirmed the importance of the reusable spacecraft. The record duration of the flight showed all the advantages of cooperation between the state and industry. With the advent of the X-37B, the Air Force is no longer limited to airspace.
Secret missions
For obvious reasons, a complete list of the goals and objectives of the OTV-5 mission is confidential. However, officials have disclosed some information about the flight. In addition, some of the data became known from unofficial sources. Based on this information, one can make certain assumptions.
Previous flights of the X-37B were carried out using an Atlas V launch vehicle. The OTV-5 mission used a different launch vehicle for the first time and was made possible by the Falcon 9. Launching a launch vehicle can be considered one of the flight experiments. The spacecraft has 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 remain in the same orbit, but performed various maneuvers. This indicates the testing of the power plant and on-board control systems. Thus, the spaceplane has once again confirmed its ability to change its orbit to solve certain problems.
On board the X-37B there was a certain payload about 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. This product was planned to be installed on a spacecraft and sent into orbit. Probably, over the past two years, the radiator has performed its functions under the supervision of control equipment, and now the specialists have to draw conclusions.
Most likely, the X-37B was carrying another payload. In July of this year, an extremely interesting photograph taken from Earth was published. One of the astronomers managed to photograph a certain spacecraft in orbit. The characteristic contours made it possible to recognize the secret X-37B in it. Moreover, it was assumed that at the time of shooting, the spaceplane opened the cargo compartment and performed some operations with the load.
Indeed, in the central fuselage of the X-37B there is a large cargo compartment with access through the upper hatch. However, the quality of the photograph taken through the telescope made it impossible to accurately discern the position of the flaps - let alone the payload being pulled out or placed in.
However, of all the data on the objectives of the OTV-5 mission so far, only information about the tests of a promising cooling system has been confirmed. Other information is still at the level of rumors and assumptions.
Plans for the future
It has already been announced that the recent X-37B flight will not be the last. Experienced technicians will undergo the necessary maintenance in the coming months. In addition, it will be equipped with new instruments and devices required for new experiments. After that, preparations will begin for the sixth flight under the OTV-6 index.
According to open data, the sixth flight will begin in the second quarter of 2020. The spaceplane will be launched into orbit using the Atlas V launch vehicle, which has proven itself as part of the experimental 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 confine themselves to information about individual plans, while the most interesting work will remain secret. 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 experienced X-37B took place in 2010 and took place in an atmosphere of secrecy. Only the most general information about the mission was disclosed to the general public, without going into details. After that, four more flights took place, and preparations began for the fifth - but the approach to coverage of 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 concerns.
According to official data, the Boeing X-37B project pursues exclusively scientific goals and is intended to develop promising technologies, with the use of which the further development of astronautics will be carried out. However, the project is being commissioned by the Air Force, which may hint at its special purpose. Moreover, the Air Force is already talking directly about its potential and benefits for them.
Due to the lack of the desired information about the real purpose of the X-37B, many of the most daring and terrible rumors are circulating. According to various estimates, this experimental apparatus can be used to launch or return various satellites of suitable sizes. It can also be used for reconnaissance of space and ground objects. Combat mission is not excluded - in theory, some kind of weapon can fit in the cargo compartment.
The US Air Force, Boeing and NASA have not commented on rumors or estimates. Instead, they talk about big successes or tests of the radiator. At the same time, preparations are underway for the next test flight, which will start in a few months. As before, the client and the contractors do not disclose their plans.
Obvious conclusions
Despite the lack 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.
Events in recent years show that Boeing has succeeded in creating a promising in-orbit aircraft capable of carrying some payload. The flight into space is carried out on a launch vehicle, and the descent is carried out independently, "like an airplane." In practice, it was possible to confirm that the resulting machine is capable of staying in space and performing tasks for months or even years. There are also other characteristic features that distinguish it favorably from space technology of other classes.
The X-37B turns out to be a multipurpose space tool suitable for all sorts of work in orbit. In some situations it can supplement satellites, and in others it can replace. In addition, it can solve certain tasks that are inaccessible to traditional orbiters. As a result, the interest of the US Air Force in the project is understandable and justified. The Pentagon intends to develop technologies and actively explore new areas - the X-37B fully fits into such plans and helps to implement them.
Work on the X-37B project continues, and in the near future, an experienced aircraft will once 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 disclose interesting details. A new tool for the air force continues to protect from prying eyes.
