The US Air Force will launch a robotic spacecraft this month to conduct technology tests in orbit.
The X-37B is scheduled to take off from Cape Canaveral in Florida on 19 April, according to Associated Press.
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The 1,000lb spacecraft is 9.5ft tall and 29ft long, and has a wingspan of less than 15ft.
It can operate autonomously in orbit, as well as on re-entry and landing.
It will include technologies such as thermal protection systems, autonomous advanced guidance, navigation and control systems, high temperature structures, conformal reusable insulation and high temperature seals.
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Once fielded, the X-37B will be the only X-vehicle capable of conducting continuous on-orbit operations for up to 21 days.
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By GlobalDataThe spacecraft has been designed as a prototype of a vehicle that can carry small payloads into orbit, carry out a variety of military missions and then return to Earth.
The X-37B, which will stay in orbit for 270 days, will land north-west of Los Angeles at the Vandenberg Air Force Base.
The X-37B programme is controlled by the Air Force’s Rapid Capabilities Office.
In 1999, Nasa began the X-37 programme in cooperation with Boeing.
