# Boeing X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle 2 > American uncrewed military spaceplane **Wikidata**: [Q133175769](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q133175769) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/boeing-x-37b-orbital-test-vehicle-2 ## Summary The Boeing X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle 2 (OTV-2) is the second vehicle in the X-37B class of American uncrewed military spaceplanes developed by Boeing Defense, Space & Security. It is a reusable, robotic spacecraft designed for long-duration orbital missions, capable of autonomous flight and landing. Operated by the United States Space Force since 2019, OTV-2 first launched on March 5, 2011, and has demonstrated advanced spaceflight capabilities, including a service life of 270 days in orbit. ## Key Facts - **First Flight**: March 5, 2011 (OTV-2 mission). - **Class**: Part of the Boeing X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle program. - **Developer/Manufacturer**: Boeing Defense, Space & Security. - **Operators**: United States Air Force (2006–2019), United States Space Force (2019–present). - **Ownership**: United States Department of the Air Force. - **Dimensions**: Length: 8.9154 meters, Height: 2.8956 meters, Wingspan: 4.5466 meters. - **Mass**: Launch weight of approximately 4,990 kilograms. - **Power Source**: Gallium arsenide spacecraft solar array. - **Service Life**: Designed for 270 days in orbit. - **Production**: Two X-37B vehicles produced (OTV-1 and OTV-2). - **Missions**: Conducted extended orbital missions, including OTV-2, OTV-4, OTV-5, and OTV-7. ## FAQs ### Q: What distinguishes the Boeing X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle 2 from other spaceplanes? A: The X-37B OTV-2 is the second vehicle in its class and is notable for its uncrewed, reusable design, autonomous operation, and extended orbital service life of 270 days. It is the first military spaceplane of its kind. ### Q: When did the X-37B OTV-2 first launch, and who operates it? A: The X-37B OTV-2 first launched on March 5, 2011. It was initially operated by the U.S. Air Force and transitioned to the U.S. Space Force in 2019. ### Q: What are the key technical specifications of the X-37B OTV-2? A: The spacecraft measures 8.9154 meters in length, 2.8956 meters in height, and has a wingspan of 4.5466 meters. It has a launch mass of 4,990 kilograms and is powered by a gallium arsenide solar array. ### Q: How many X-37B vehicles exist, and what missions have they flown? A: Two X-37B vehicles (OTV-1 and OTV-2) have been produced. OTV-2 has flown multiple missions, including OTV-2, OTV-4, OTV-5, and OTV-7, demonstrating long-duration orbital capabilities. ## Why It Matters The Boeing X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle 2 represents a critical milestone in uncrewed military spaceflight, combining reusability, autonomy, and extended orbital endurance. Its ability to conduct missions lasting nearly a year in low Earth orbit provides the U.S. military with a flexible platform for testing advanced technologies, conducting experiments, and enhancing national security in space. As a precursor to future reusable space systems, the X-37B OTV-2 has influenced both military and commercial space strategies, reducing costs and validating autonomous spacecraft operations. ## Notable For - **First Uncrewed Military Spaceplane**: Pioneered autonomous orbital flight and landing for military applications. - **Reusable Design**: Demonstrated multiple mission capabilities, reducing the cost of access to space. - **Extended Orbital Missions**: Achieved a service life of 270 days, far exceeding earlier spacecraft endurance. - **Advanced Solar Power**: Utilized high-efficiency gallium arsenide solar arrays for sustained operations. - **Dual Military-Scientific Role**: Supported both defense-related experiments and civilian technology testing. ## Body ### Development and Manufacturer The Boeing X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle 2 was developed and manufactured by Boeing Defense, Space & Security as part of the X-37 program. This program focused on creating reusable, uncrewed spaceplanes capable of autonomous orbital flight, landing, and rapid turnaround for subsequent missions. ### Technical Specifications - **Dimensions**: The spacecraft has a length of 8.9154 meters, a height of 2.8956 meters, and a wingspan of 4.5466 meters. - **Mass**: Its launch weight is approximately 4,990 kilograms. - **Power**: It is equipped with a gallium arsenide spacecraft solar array, providing efficient energy for prolonged missions. ### Operational History - **First Flight**: OTV-2 launched on March 5, 2011, as part of the X-37B program’s second mission. - **Operators**: Initially managed by the U.S. Air Force, operational responsibility transferred to the U.S. Space Force in 2019. - **Missions**: OTV-2 has participated in multiple missions, including OTV-2 (2011), OTV-4 (2015), OTV-5 (2017), and OTV-7 (2023), with durations often exceeding its designed 270-day service life. ### Design and Capabilities - **Autonomy**: The X-37B OTV-2 operates independently, conducting orbital maneuvers and returning to Earth without crew intervention. - **Reusability**: Designed for multiple flights, it reduces the cost and complexity of accessing space. - **Payload Capacity**: While specific payloads remain classified, the spacecraft supports technology demonstrations and experimental payloads. ### Classification and Ownership - **Classification**: The X-37B is categorized as a spaceplane, robotic spacecraft, and reusable launch system. - **Ownership**: It is owned by the U.S. Department of the Air Force, reflecting its primary military purpose. ### Related Entities - **Boeing X-37B Class**: Includes two vehicles (OTV-1 and OTV-2), with OTV-2 being the focus of extended mission testing. - **U.S. Space Force**: The current operator, overseeing the spacecraft’s role in national defense and space-based intelligence gathering. - **Boeing Defense, Space & Security**: The developer and manufacturer, leveraging expertise in autonomous systems and space technology. ### Legacy and Impact The X-37B OTV-2 has reshaped expectations for military spaceflight, proving the viability of reusable, long-duration uncrewed platforms. Its missions have paved the way for future autonomous spacecraft, influencing both military and commercial space sectors. By maintaining operational secrecy and demonstrating resilience in orbit, the X-37B OTV-2 remains a cornerstone of U.S. space strategy, ensuring technological readiness and strategic advantage. ## References 1. [Source](https://spaceflightnow.com/2020/05/06/payloads-revealed-for-next-flight-of-x-37b-military-spaceplane/) 2. [Source](http://www.boeing.com/boeing/defense-space/ic/sis/x37b_otv/x37b_otv.page) 3. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/x-37.htm) 4. [Source](http://www.af.mil/AboutUs/FactSheets/Display/tabid/224/Article/104539/x-37b-orbital-test-vehicle.aspx) 5. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20150321121050/http://www.boeing.com/boeing/defense-space/ic/sis/x37b_otv/x37b_otv.page)