Hello everybody!
The unmanned X-37B is one of the most intriguing aircraft in the world. The world knows that it exists, but there are few real facts about this plane - the information is classified. We have collected the basic facts about the X-37B bit by bit. Some details about the US Air Force apparatus were released only in the spring of 2020. Previously, all data was classified as "secret".
The reusable X-37B is externally a smaller version of NASA's decommissioned space shuttle. Its length is 8.8 m, height - 2.9 m. The X-37B takes off, like the shuttle, vertically, using a rocket. In orbit, he maneuvers himself. It lands on the surface like a normal plane.
This is a joint project between Boeing and NASA commissioned by the US Department of Defense. X-37B - experimental orbital aircraft.
The X-37B flies at altitudes of 200-800 km. Able to reach speeds of up to 28,200 km / h. He is very maneuverable and instantly changes orbits.
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The ISS is located at an altitude of about 400 km, so the aircraft is quite capable of interacting with the station. It can deliver small cargoes into space. You can also, on the contrary, pick up cargo from space.
The maximum period that X-37B was in orbit was 780 days. And, of course, it flies an order of magnitude higher than the suborbital commercial vehicles of the Virgin Galactic type, which flew only 82.7 km.
The technology of the future is being tested on the plane. The most interesting experiment NASA is planning with the X-37B is the conversion of energy from cosmic rays for use on Earth.
Solar energy is planned to be converted into microwave radio emission. Send it to the surface in the form of electricity.
This scheme itself is highly probable. And very interesting. So far we, objectively, poorly use the Sun to generate electricity. The efficiency of solar panels is too low due to the blocking of rays by the earth's atmosphere.
But in space there are no barriers. However, it is difficult to make a project commercially successful. To get an adequate amount of energy, giant panels must be sent into orbit, which are difficult to get there and maintain.
Also on the X-37B is planned to study how radiation affects the seeds that will be grown in space. Growing plants in space is an important task for the spacecraft of the future, because it is a renewable natural food. And for the habitation of other planets, it is necessary to study the mechanisms of the effect of cosmic radiation on plants.
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Other countries doubt that the X-37B is needed only for research and testing of new technologies.
Research is the official information of the US Air Force. But the world does not trust this to the end. Russia and China express concern that this aircraft can carry out reconnaissance with impunity and effectively.
China is especially against the X-37B. The local military suspects that the plane is technically capable of bombing from space. And interfere with Chinese satellites. In addition, due to maneuverability, other countries are not able to predict where and how it will fly.