The US Air Force is to contribute $16 million to the NASA/Boeing X-37 experimental spaceplane programme as a follow-on to the USAF-funded X-40, to demonstrate technologies for future military spacecraft. The X-37 design is scaled up from the X-40, an unpowered vehicle built by Boeing and drop-tested from a helicopter last year to demonstrate autonomous landing capability. The X-40 will be released from a Boeing B-52 to reduce risk before unpowered drop-tests of the X-37 begin in late 2001. Two orbital tests are planned for 2002, with the reusable X-37 operating autonomously in orbit for up to 21 days after release from the Space Shuttle before re-entry and landing.
Source: Flight International
