It was first launched in 2010 and has spent a total of 3,774 days (6 missions) in space - a pretty successful history.



The Boeing-built X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV) is shown at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022. The unmanned U.S. military space plane landed early Saturday after spending a record 908 days in orbit for its sixth mission and conducting science experiments. The solar-powered vehicle, which looks like a miniature space shuttle, landed at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. Its previous mission lasted 780 days. (Boeing /U.S. Space Force via AP)

AP News

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Northern California Coast

I think the article, instead of conducting science experiments, meant "conducting science experiments"

I'm sure its replacement is being loaded with whatever "science experiments" are needed in a "particular orbit" passing over "particular spots on Earth, and a launch being scheduled.

There are least TWO X-37's in existence (I've also read that there are three).

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Paul F.
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A sword never kills anybody; it is a tool in the killer's hand. - Lucius Annaeus Seneca c. 5 BC - 65 AD
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Good is the enemy of Excellent. Talent is not necessary for Excellence.
Persistence is necessary for Excellence. And Persistence is a Decision.
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Eureka, CA

Quote
Paul F.
I think the article, instead of conducting science experiments, meant "conducting science experiments"

I'm sure its replacement is being loaded with whatever "science experiments" are needed in a "particular orbit" passing over "particular spots on Earth, and a launch being scheduled.

There are least TWO X-37's in existence (I've also read that there are three).

Yes, I chuckled when I read that, too. I expect those doors are used for other purposes when in orbit than stowing landing gear.

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Saint Cloud, Minnesota, where the weather is wonderful even when it isn't.

FWIW China also has an unmanned reusable spacecraft like this one flying around in spaaaace..

All spooky super Top Secret, etc... But I kind of doubt surveillance is the goal. There are already a constellation of SAR radar satellites and ginormous telescopes in orbit.

The Ukraine / Russia war has taught us all that small drones are the future of surface warfare surveillance and attack. Anyone can rig a commercial quadcopter to drop small bombs / grenades.