Autonomous military craft launched into orbit
The unmanned X-37B spaceplane prototype has been successfully launched into orbit from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. It is the first autonomous re-entry and landing in the history of the US space programme.
The reusable craft is powered by a solar array and lithium-ion batteries and is only a quarter of the size of the space shuttle. It incorporates a large engine mounted at the rear for orbit changing.
According to the US Air Force's deputy under secretary for space programs, Gary Payton, the top priority technology demonstration is the vehicle itself. Payton said: "Getting it into orbit, getting the payload bay doors open, the solar array deployed, learning about on orbit altitude control and bringing it all back."
The X-37B is designed to orbit for up to 270 days when a command will be sent from the earth prompting the craft to re-enter the atmosphere. It will then autonomously navigate its way to the Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.
