Since 2010, the United States has been testing Boeing's experimental X-37B spacecraft. Currently, one of the prototypes is performing its next test flight, which has been going on for more than two years. Work on the X-37B is carried out in an atmosphere of secrecy, and only a few fragmentary data are published. All this leads to the emergence of serious concerns and questions that remain unanswered so far.
According to known data
The development of the future X-37 project started in 1999 and was carried out by the Phantom Works division of Boeing with the active participation of NASA and the US Air Force. A few years later, NASA transferred the project to the DARPA agency, as a result of which the main work was classified. Since then, new information about the project has not been released to the public very often.
It is known that in 2005, the developers began atmospheric tests of the X-37A prototype. After such checks, the project was finalized, which resulted in preparation for full-fledged tests of the X-37B product in orbit. The first flight of this kind, designated OTV-1, began on April 22, 2010 and lasted more than 220 days. Then they carried out several more flights, the duration of which was constantly growing. Two prototypes took part in the tests.
On September 7, 2017, the fifth launch of the X-37B took place. This flight continues to this day; the device has been in orbit for more than 730 days, and its return has not yet been reported. This flight is the longest so far. Previously, there was information about the next launch, scheduled for December this year. Probably, before the start of the OTV-6 mission, the previous one will be completed.
The reusable X-37B device was created in the interests of the US Air Force, which affected the secrecy regime. However, the Air Force revealed the most general data on the goals of the project. The X-37B program is experimental and is designed to test technologies in the field of reusable unmanned spacecraft for the Air Force. With the help of the built prototypes, it was planned to check the design and on-board equipment, as well as conduct a number of studies using one or another payload.
According to various sources, the currently tested X-37B have a length of about 9 m with a wingspan of 4.5 m. The maximum launch weight is less than 5 tons, the payload is approx. 1 t. The required load is placed in the central compartment of the apparatus with a volume of several cubic meters. The launches were carried out using Atlas V 501 launch vehicles (4 launches) and Falcon 9 (1 launch).
The carriers launched experimental equipment into low-earth orbit with an altitude of 300-400 km, mainly near the equator. During extended flights, the X-37B performed various maneuvers, changed orbits, etc. Payload drop information is available. Also in the foreign media there were reports of attempts to conduct reconnaissance and solve other special tasks.
Rumors and reality
Various information appears regularly about this or that work of the X-37B in orbit, but, for obvious reasons, they do not receive official confirmation from DARPA or the US Air Force. Nevertheless, such messages, together with the available information about the project, lead to the most interesting and daring versions.
In early 2012, during the second flight, news appeared in the foreign press that the X-37B was approaching the Chinese space station Tiangong-1. This was probably an attempt to observe foreign equipment. Nevertheless, the United States did not confirm this information, and different parameters of the orbits could completely exclude the possibility of a rendezvous.
The presence of a cargo compartment and the ability to carry various equipment, both fixed and dropped in flight, determine the main capabilities of the X-37B. It also contributes to the emergence of various versions and forecasts, some of which may well correspond to reality.
Key features
The X-37B is an aircraft-type reusable spacecraft that gives it a number of distinctive capabilities. First of all, it is a simpler launch into orbit and return from it. In addition, the device can be used as a vehicle for the output and return of a given payload. In this respect, the new X-37B is similar to the old Space Shuttle, but with a smaller size and reduced payload.
An important feature of the X-37B is its proven ability to operate in orbit for a long time. The first flight lasted more than 220 days, and the fifth one exceeded two years. At the same time, during all test flights, the vehicles not only remained in orbit, but changed their trajectory and solved various problems.
A device with a similar potential can be used to carry out reconnaissance in different areas. In this case, it must carry the necessary optical or radio technical means and be put into the required orbit. Depending on the tasks assigned, the X-37B can complete the mission and quickly return to Earth or remain in orbit for a long time, carrying out new commands.
According to some estimates, the experienced X-37B has already been used to launch compact satellites of unknown purpose into orbit. In addition, they are supposedly capable of "catching" small-sized objects in space and bringing them to Earth. Such capabilities can be used to maintain the efficiency of the space constellation. It also becomes possible to quickly deploy a small group of satellites of the required purpose in given orbits. For example, it can be additional means of communication over the area of hostilities.
In theory, weapons for various purposes can also be payloads. The X-37B can be used as an orbital bomber or as an interceptor for space technology. However, the implementation of such opportunities is prohibited by international agreements. In addition, reusable spacecraft may not be the best platform for weapons.
Defense issues
The X-37B spacecraft is positioned as an experimental vehicle and a demonstrator of technologies necessary for the further development of US Air Force technology. However, even in this capacity, the device has special characteristics and capabilities that are cause for concern. The presence of such technology raises the question of countering it to other states.
In this context, space tracking tools are of key importance. Developed countries have the necessary optical and radar systems capable of monitoring objects in different orbits. Apparently, the X-37B does not use stealth technology, making it easier to detect and track.
When using the device as a space reconnaissance vehicle, already existing and proven methods of protection should be used. First of all, this is a competent organization of military measures: all the main actions must be performed in the periods between the passage of reconnaissance spacecraft. In addition, electronic warfare can be used to protect troops or other objects from undue attention.
In some situations, it may be necessary not only to counter or suppress, but to fully defeat the spacecraft. This is the most difficult task in a defense context. Anti-satellite weapons such as special anti-aircraft missiles are needed to combat the X-37B or similar targets. There is scattered information about the development of such weapons in different countries. There have also been several cases of missiles being used against real orbital targets.
Multipurpose problem
Even in the existing configuration of the flying laboratory, the Boeing X-37B spacecraft is a very interesting and promising model, quite capable of solving some real problems. In this case, we are talking about the development of technologies, which in the future can find application in new projects of equipment with higher characteristics.
In the United States, both the X-37B itself and the future samples created on its basis are already highly appreciated. The characteristics of this technique will provide the US Air Force with new capabilities that are of great interest in different contexts. At the same time, even an experimental prototype is of concern to third countries, which is considered by the Pentagon as a good sign.
In the case of the Boeing X-37B project, a curious situation can be observed. Not much is known about this development, but the available data is a major concern. The US Air Force intends to develop new technologies and take full advantage of them. Other countries, accordingly, need to take this into account and prepare for the emergence of new threats.
