The United States Air Force plans to launch its first robotic X-37B space plane Thursday on a mission that is a forerunner of things to come. A second mini-space plane is already under contract and is projected to be launched next year.


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New details regarding the mini-space plane and its upcoming Thursday liftoff atop an Atlas 5 booster were discussed today during a U.S. Air Force-held media press briefing. The X-37B vehicle's history stretches back to the late 90s, with NASA kick-starting the project. It was later picked up by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and ultimately found a home within the Air Force. The project is now under the wing of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office. [X-37B spacecraft photos.] "After a tumultuous history of sponsorship, it's great to see the X-37 finally get to the launch pad and get into space," said Gary Payton, U.S. Air Force Deputy Under Secretary for Space Programs in a media press briefing today.

Experimental X-37B Robot Space Plane to Launch Thursday

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