The US Air Force has been busy testing its latest robotic space plane, the X-37B. The vehicle is 29 feet (8.8 meters) long and 15 feet (4.5 m) wide, with a payload bay about the size of a pickup truck bed. It was launched into orbit via an Atlas 5 rocket on Dec. 11, 2012, and is still circling the Earth. This is the third such mission for this mini-shuttle, and the Air force is keeping quite secret about its purpose.
Now, as die-hard SF fans, we can form our own speculations about this project, can't we? So let's try:
Now, as die-hard SF fans, we can form our own speculations about this project, can't we? So let's try:
- Equip it with a pressurized module, and it becomes a rescue craft for astronauts on the International Space Station. No more total dependance on the Russians.
- Give it enough fuel, and it can land on the Moon, paving the way for a new US presence. Baby-boomers have been waiting for at least three decades on this one.
- Is there another secret, manned US Air Force Space Station in orbit being resupplied by the X-37? Hmm, one wonders. Does International Rescue really exist? You can have lots of fun with that one!
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