# Boeing X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle

> model of American uncrewed military spaceplane

**Wikidata**: [Q123757475](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q123757475)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_X-37B)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/boeing-x-37b-orbital-test-vehicle

## Summary
The Boeing X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle is an American uncrewed military spaceplane developed by Boeing Defense, Space & Security. It is a reusable, robotic spacecraft designed for orbital missions, capable of autonomous flight and landing.

## Key Facts
- **First Flight**: The X-37B made its maiden orbital spaceflight on April 22, 2010.
- **Dimensions**: Length: 8.9154 meters, Height: 2.8956 meters, Wingspan: 4.5466 meters.
- **Mass**: Launch weight is approximately 4,990 kilograms.
- **Operator**: Initially operated by the United States Air Force from November 17, 2006, to 2019, and subsequently by the United States Space Force starting in 2019.
- **Power Source**: Powered by a gallium arsenide spacecraft solar array.
- **Service Life**: Designed for a service life of 270 days in orbit.
- **Total Produced**: Two X-37B vehicles have been produced.
- **Developer and Manufacturer**: Developed and manufactured by Boeing Defense, Space & Security.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the Boeing X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle?
A: The Boeing X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle is an uncrewed military spaceplane developed by Boeing Defense, Space & Security. It is designed for orbital missions and is capable of autonomous flight and landing.

### Q: When did the X-37B make its first flight?
A: The X-37B made its maiden orbital spaceflight on April 22, 2010.

### Q: Who operates the X-37B?
A: The X-37B was initially operated by the United States Air Force from November 17, 2006, to 2019, and is now operated by the United States Space Force starting in 2019.

### Q: What are the dimensions of the X-37B?
A: The X-37B has a length of 8.9154 meters, a height of 2.8956 meters, and a wingspan of 4.5466 meters.

### Q: How is the X-37B powered?
A: The X-37B is powered by a gallium arsenide spacecraft solar array.

## Why It Matters
The Boeing X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle represents a significant advancement in uncrewed spaceflight technology. As a reusable, robotic spacecraft, it demonstrates the capability for autonomous orbital missions, which can be crucial for military and scientific applications. The X-37B's ability to perform long-duration missions in low Earth orbit and return to Earth autonomously makes it a valuable asset for testing new technologies and conducting experiments in space. Its development and operation by the United States Air Force and Space Force highlight its importance in national defense and space exploration strategies.

## Notable For
- **First Uncrewed Military Spaceplane**: The X-37B is the first uncrewed military spaceplane, capable of autonomous flight and landing.
- **Reusable Spacecraft**: It is designed to be reusable, allowing for multiple missions and reducing the cost of spaceflight.
- **Long-Duration Missions**: The X-37B is designed for a service life of 270 days in orbit, enabling extended missions.
- **Advanced Power Source**: Powered by a gallium arsenide spacecraft solar array, which provides efficient and reliable power for its missions.
- **Military and Scientific Applications**: The X-37B is used for both military and scientific purposes, making it a versatile asset in space exploration and defense.

## Body
### Development and Manufacturer
The Boeing X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle was developed and manufactured by Boeing Defense, Space & Security. It is part of the Boeing X-37 program, which aims to create reusable spacecraft capable of autonomous flight and landing.

### Dimensions and Mass
The X-37B has a length of 8.9154 meters, a height of 2.8956 meters, and a wingspan of 4.5466 meters. Its launch weight is approximately 4,990 kilograms.

### First Flight and Service Life
The X-37B made its maiden orbital spaceflight on April 22, 2010. It is designed for a service life of 270 days in orbit, allowing for extended missions.

### Operators and Ownership
The X-37B was initially operated by the United States Air Force from November 17, 2006, to 2019. Since 2019, it has been operated by the United States Space Force. The spacecraft is owned by the United States Department of the Air Force.

### Power Source
The X-37B is powered by a gallium arsenide spacecraft solar array, which provides efficient and reliable power for its missions.

### Total Produced
Two X-37B vehicles have been produced, known as Boeing X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle 1 and Boeing X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle 2.

### Classification
The X-37B is classified as a spaceplane, robotic spacecraft, and reusable spacecraft. It is a model of an American uncrewed military spaceplane.

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## References

1. [Source](https://spaceflightnow.com/2020/05/06/payloads-revealed-for-next-flight-of-x-37b-military-spaceplane/)
2. [Source](https://www.space.com/3124-air-force-pushes-orbital-test-vehicle.html)
3. [Source](http://www.boeing.com/boeing/defense-space/ic/sis/x37b_otv/x37b_otv.page)
4. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/x-37.htm)
5. [Source](http://www.af.mil/AboutUs/FactSheets/Display/tabid/224/Article/104539/x-37b-orbital-test-vehicle.aspx)
6. [Source](https://www.csmonitor.com/Science/2010/0423/Shhhh!-Air-Force-launches-top-secret-X-37B-robot-space-plane)
7. [Source](https://spaceflightnow.com/2020/08/18/pentagon-plans-to-keep-x-37b-spaceplane-under-air-force-management/)
8. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20150321121050/http://www.boeing.com/boeing/defense-space/ic/sis/x37b_otv/x37b_otv.page)
9. [Source](https://spaceflightnow.com/atlas/av012/100225x37arrival/)
10. [Source](http://www.boeing.com/defense/autonomous-systems/x37b/)