Russian researchers are working on an unmanned spacecraft similar to the U.S. Boeing X-37 Orbital Test Vehicle, Space Troops chief Oleg Ostapenko said on Thursday.

He said, however, it was not clear as yet how it would be used.

"Something has been done along these lines, but as to whether we will use it, only time will tell," Ostapenko said.

The Boeing X-37, used for orbital spaceflight missions, has a length of over 29 ft (8.9 m) and features two angled tail fins.

The spaceplane's first orbital mission was launched on April 22, 2010 with an Atlas V rocket.