New unmanned spacecraft set to launch

Defense Professionals ^ | 4/192010 | Staff Sgt. Vanessa Young

[GonzoGOP]

For the children, ya know.

When I was four years old a guy from the next suburb over walked on the moon. I want to know how any of their social programs are going to inspire kids the way that inspired me. For the money that will be spent on "Earth Day" over the next decade we could have funded the "Get the heck off the Earth Day". But of course that would require pushing physics and mathematics rather than ethnic studies. Can't have that now can we.

[Walvoord]

Not too much. The bay is about the size of a full-sized pickup truck's bed.

I doubt it can launch or retrieve satellites, so I'm not sure what its purpose is, unless it's for quick launch surveillance during a crisis.

[r9etb]

Yeah but.. it’s supposed to look cool.

I think it looks pretty cool, actually .... form following function has a beauty all its own.

[Lazamataz]

Comeon, this was TOTALLY realistic!!!

.... the Warp Engine Nacells on the rocket were a nice touch.

[ErnstStavroBlofeld]

Its stats are modest: The vehicle tips the scales at 11,000 pounds and is just over 29 feet in length and stands slightly more than 9 1/2 feet (2.9 meters) in height. It sports a wingspan of a little over 14 feet.

[Moonman62]

The basis of the X37 is many years old, but better late than never.

[Paul Ross]

This all recalls to mind the old

X-20 Manned Dynasoar Project of the early 60s .. :

[ASOC]

KH 13.5

Spy sat tech.