X-37B: The Mysterious Spacecraft from Boeing
The X-37B is an experimental spacecraft developed by Boeing for the United States Air Force. Launched in 2010, the spacecraft has completed several secret missions in space, sparking intense speculation about its purpose.
# History of Development
The X-37B was developed under the "New World Vistas" program, initiated in the 1990s to create a new generation of spacecraft. In 1999, Boeing received a contract to develop the X-37B, which was later transferred to the Air Force in 2004.
# Technical Specifications
The X-37B is a small spacecraft, measuring approximately 29 feet in length and weighing around 11,000 pounds. It is powered by solar panels and features an orbital maneuvering system, allowing it to change its orbit.
# Missions
The X-37B has completed several secret missions in space:
- _First mission_: Launched in 2010, the spacecraft spent around 225 days in space.
- _Second mission_: Launched in 2011, the spacecraft spent around 469 days in space.
- _Third mission_: Launched in 2012, the spacecraft spent around 674 days in space.
# Purpose
The purpose of the X-37B remains classified, but experts speculate that it may be used for:
- _Military operations_: The spacecraft could be used for military operations, such as surveillance and intelligence gathering.
- _Space research_: The spacecraft could be used for space research, such as studying space weather and asteroids.
# Conclusion
The X-37B is a mysterious spacecraft developed by Boeing for the Air Force. Its secret missions have sparked intense speculation, and its purpose remains classified. However, experts believe that it may be used for military operations and space research.
Sources:
- "X-37B" - Wikipedia
- "X-37B: The Mysterious Spacecraft" - BBC
- "X-37B: What We Know About the Spacecraft" - CNN
- "X-37B: A Spacecraft for Military Operations" - Defense News