Is there a non civilian space shuttle?

The Boeing X-37, also known as the Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV), is a reusable robotic spacecraft. The X-37 is operated by the United States Space Force, and was previously operated by Air Force Space Command until 2019 for orbital spaceflight missions intended to demonstrate reusable space technologies. …

How fast is the X-37B?

17,430 mph
Boeing X-37/Max speed

How many orbits will Inspiration4 make?

15 orbits
‘All is well’: Inspiration 4 all-civilian crew completes 15 orbits around Earth.

Who made the x37b?

Boeing Defense, Space & Security
Boeing Phantom Works
Boeing X-37/Manufacturers

What happens if a plane flies into space?

If an airplane flies in space, it won’t be able to suck in fresh air with which to supply its engines, resulting in loss of propulsion. The bottom line is that airplanes can’t fly in space because there is no air in space. Airplanes rely on air to produce both lift and propulsion.

What happens if plane flies too high?

When the plane gets too high, there is insufficient oxygen to fuel the engines. “The air is less dense at altitude, so the engine can suck in less and less air per second as it goes higher and at some point the engine can no longer develop sufficient power to climb.” …

What is the difference between X-37B and X 37C?

In 2011, Boeing announced plans for a scaled-up variant of the X-37B, referring to it as the X-37C. The X-37C spacecraft would be between 165% and 180% of the size of the X-37B, allowing it to transport up to six astronauts inside a pressurized compartment housed in the cargo bay.

What is the X-37 spacecraft?

The X-37 is what is called a “1.5 g” spacecraft. In other words, it operates only within an acceleration range of one and a half times the pull of Earth’s gravity. This means that it can carry delicate instruments into space and return them safely to the ground.

How long can the X-37B stay in orbit?

While the Shuttle never remained in orbit for as long as three weeks, the X-37B has already broken the record for a reusable spacecraft in orbit: 244 days. It’s rated to remain on station for 270 days if needed. But for all that the public knows about the X-37B’s capabilities, its mission remains a secret.

Could the X-37B be used as a spy satellite?

In May 2010, Tom Burghardt speculated on Space Daily that the X-37B could be used as a spy satellite or to deliver weapons from space. The Pentagon subsequently denied claims that the X-37B’s test missions supported the development of space-based weapons.