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Boeing X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV) (2009) |
RETIRED |
ABOUT THE DESIGN: | ABOUT THE MODEL: | |
For years, NASA and the U.S.
military have known that the Space Shuttle's days were numbered. Among
the concepts for replacement vehicles proposed is the X-37 Orbital Test
Vehicle (OTV), an unmanned reusable spaceplane developed by U.S. Air Force's
Rapid Capabilities Office. More than 29 feet long with a nearly
15-foot wingspan, the X-37B is designed to be boosted into space aboard an
Atlas 5 rocket in the 501 configuration. After its mission, the craft
glides back to earth and lands on a conventional airstrip much like the
now-retired Space Shuttle. Although the X-37B's payloads are classified, it's expected that it will carry any number of military payloads, including surveillance and communications satellites. First tested aboard a Scaled Composite White Knight One air-launch vehicle in 2009, the X-37B made its first spaceflight in spring 2010. |
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JBOT Decal Sheet (Markings for 3 Test Vehicles) |
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