According to the U.S. Space Network October 22, 2009 reported that, despite the firing range has not yet been approved by the U.S. Air Force Space Network has been informed of hope X-37B unmanned space shuttle flight in April 2010. By then, X-37B will be fitted in the “Atlas” hood rockets fired.As a mini-space shuttle, Boeing Phantom factory this product has been developed for years. Several institutions are involved in the work, including NASA, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and Air Force a few branches. But they are avoiding to comment on this item.
Several agencies of the space shuttle project and its tasks Bijin mouth, and who is responsible for this project is full of doubts. This extreme case of such a secret in September with the “Atlas” -5 rocket called the mystery of PAN communications satellite similar to the satellite belongs to which body has not yet been announced.
X-37B is about 8.8 meters, a wingspan of about 4.6 meters, take-off weight of more than 5 tons. Slow down the aircraft to leave the space, the possible use of Vandenberg Air Force Base 4600 meters long, 61 meters wide runway landing. In orbit, the shuttle can engage in intelligence gathering, launching small satellites, test equipment, space, and so on.
