Secretive X-37B is launched for a third classified mission around the planet

Dec. 11 saw the third launch of Boeing’s X-37B, the unmanned, reusable, mini-shuttle orbiter.

The space plane was launched atop an Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, just after 1.00pm Eastern Time.

According to Flight Global this example is on its second flight demonstrating its ability to be re-used for space flight. The previous flight was 224 days in duration whilst the other example stayed aloft for a staggering 469 days on its mission.

The U.S. Air Force has again not disclosed the vehicle’s mission nor its expected duration, but United Launch Alliance whose rocket safely took the Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV) into orbit, provided a webcast of the launch.

Although once safely in orbit the broadcast was ended “at the request of our customer [the Air Force]”

More from The Aviationist

Drones

As General Atomics, Anduril Wingmen Drones Clear USAF Critical Design Review, Let’s Look at how Modern Wars are Informing the CCA Program

Military Aviation

First E-130J TACAMO Airframe in Production

Military Aviation

U.S. Navy to Develop F/A-XX Next-Generation Fighter Independently of Air Force NGAD

Military History

Triple Decker Threat: The Fokker Dr.1 Story

Bizarre

Drunk British Soldiers Caught Engaging in Sexual Acts Inside Apache Helicopter Cockpit

http://youtu.be/VhAxiU5xL24

It is thought that once the clandestine mission is complete, the orbiter will land on the Shuttle runway at Cape Canaveral.

Richard Clements for TheAviationist.com