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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/aero-x37b-reusable-spaceplane

What is the X-37B?

A small, uncrewed, reusable space plane used as an orbital test vehicle.

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  1. A crewed Moon lander
  2. A rocket that is used only once
  3. An uncrewed reusable space plane ✔

Why: The X-37 began as an uncrewed test project for a small reusable space plane. The X-37B version is an Orbital Test Vehicle that flies long missions in orbit, testing new technology, then lands like an airplane.

Huh, didn't know that: The X-37B's first orbital flight launched on April 22, 2010, on an Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral.

The dad joke
Why does the X-37B never need a pilot? It is great at flying solo.
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References

Answer: An uncrewed reusable space plane. The X-37 began as an uncrewed test project for a small reusable space plane. The X-37B version is an Orbital Test Vehicle that flies long missions in orbit, testing new technology, then lands like an airplane.

  1. CAP Aerospace Dimensions Module 6, Spacecraft akwg.cap.gov/media/cms/Module_6__Spacecraft_E6C71F472ACC8_abd28.pdf
    The X-37 project began as an unmanned technology demonstrator to develop such a vehicle. The goal was to develop a small reusable space plane
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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