Experimental X-37B Launched Into Orbit

Experimental robotic space plane was launched into orbit atop a massive Atlas V rocket on Saturday classified Air Force mission, which can last up to nine months. 19-story Atlas V and the space plane, called the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle, was launched from Cape Canaveral in Florida at 5:46 pm Eastern time. unmanned X-37B, which resembles a miniature spaceship, is about 29 feet in length with a wingspan of about 15 feet. Spacecraft attracts solar energy panels are deployed. Although the Air Force said that the space plane is designed to stay in orbit 270 days, he does not say much about the overall mission. He said only that the car provides an opportunity to test new technologies in space, such as satellite sensors and other components. Air Force originally planned to launch X-37B on Friday, but not because of bad weather.
Starting Saturday marked the second time that the Air Force X-37B has put into orbit. The first was launched from Cape Canaveral in April last year and 224 days, he made a fully automated landing on the 15,000-foot-long runway at Vandenberg Air Force Base, northwest of Santa Barbara. X-37B vehicles were built by Boeing in Huntington Beach. Engineering work was done at the company in Huntington Beach and Seal Beach. Components also come with satellite-Boeing plant in El Segundo.