The Air Force’s X-37B space plane landed in Florida after a record-breaking 718-day mission. Credit: Secretary of the US Air Force’s Public AffairsThe U.S. Air Force’s uncrewed X-37B space plane has completed a record-setting 718-day flight.
Space.com reports that the robotic craft landed in Florida on May 7 at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. This landing marks the first time a craft has touched down at the facility since the final space shuttle landing in 2011.
“Today marks an incredibly exciting day for the 45th Space Wing as we continue to break barriers,” Air Force Brig. Gen. Wayne Monteith said in a statement. “Our team has been preparing for this event for several years, and I am extremely proud to see our hard work and dedication culminate in today’s safe and successful landing of the X-37B.”
The X-37B looks similar to NASA’s retired space shuttle but much smaller. Just as the space shuttle did, the X-37B launches vertically and lands horizontally.
“The hard work of the X-37B OTV team and the 45th Space Wing successfully demonstrated the flexibility and resolve necessary to continue the nation’s advancement in space,” Randy Walden of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office said. “The ability to land, refurbish, and launch from the same location further enhances the OTV’s ability to rapidly integrate and qualify new space technologies.”
“Technologies being tested in the program include advanced guidance, navigation, and control; thermal-protection systems; avionics; high-temperature structures and seals; conformal, reusable insulation, lightweight electromechanical flight systems; and autonomous orbital flight, re-entry and landing,” Air Force Capt. AnnMarie Annicelli said.
“The landing of OTV-4 marks another success for the X-37B program and the nation,” Air Force Lt. Col. Ron Fehlen said. “This mission once again set an on-orbit endurance record and marks the vehicle’s first landing in the state of Florida. We are incredibly pleased with the performance of the space vehicle and are excited about the data gathered to support the scientific and space communities. We are extremely proud of the dedication and hard work by the entire team.”
The Air Force plans to launch the next X-37B mission from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida later in 2017.
X-37B space plane lands after record-breaking mission – The Space Reporter