 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| . |  |
. |
 by Staff Writers Washington DC (AFNS) Oct 27, 2019
The Air Force's X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle Mission 5 successfully landed at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Landing Facility Oct. 27, 2019 at 3:51 a.m. The spaceplane conducted on-orbit experiments for 780 days during its mission, recently breaking its own record by being in orbit for more than two years. As of today, the total number of days spent on-orbit for the entire test vehicle program is 2,865 days. "The X-37B continues to demonstrate the importance of a reusable spaceplane," said Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett. "Each successive mission advances our nation's space capabilities." This is the Air Force's premier reusable and unmanned spacecraft, providing the performance and flexibility to improve technologies in a way that allows scientists and engineers to recover experiments tested in a long-duration space environment. "The safe return of this spacecraft, after breaking its own endurance record, is the result of the innovative partnership between Government and Industry," said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein. "The sky is no longer the limit for the Air Force and, if Congress approves, the U.S. Space Force." Managed by the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, the X-37B program performs risk reduction, experimentation and concept of operations development for reusable space vehicle technologies. "This program continues to push the envelope as the world's only reusable space vehicle. With a successful landing today, the X-37B completed its longest flight to date and successfully completed all mission objectives," said Randy Walden, Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office director. "This mission successfully hosted Air Force Research Laboratory experiments, among others, as well as providing a ride for small satellites." The distinctive ability to test new systems in space and return them to Earth is unique to the X-37B program and enables the U.S. to more efficiently and effectively develop space capabilities necessary to maintain superiority in the space domain. "This spacecraft is a key component of the space community. This milestone demonstrates our commitment to conducting experiments for America's future space exploration," said Lt. Col. Jonathan Keen, X-37B program manager. "Congratulations to the X-37B team for a job well done." This will be the second time the X-37B landed at the Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Landing Facility--Mission 4 landed after 718 days in orbit. The spaceplane was designed for an on-orbit duration of 270 days. "Today marks an incredibly exciting day for the 45th Space Wing," said Brig. Gen. Doug Schiess, 45th Space Wing commander. "Our team has been preparing for this event, and I am extremely proud to see their hard work and dedication culminate in today's safe and successful landing of the X-37B." The fifth mission launched on Sept. 7, 2017 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida on-board a Space X Falcon 9 booster, and the U.S. Air Force is preparing to launch the sixth X-37B mission from CCAFS in 2020.
Formal recognition of JTF-SD expands US Space Command's protect, defend mission Schriever AFB CO (AFNS) Oct 25, 2019 Gen. John "Jay" Raymond, U.S. Space Command commander, recognized the establishment of the Joint Task Force-Space Defense along with the JTF-SD's new commander, Army Brig. Gen. Thomas L. James, during a ceremony Oct. 21. JTF-SD is one of two subordinate commands to the newly formed USSPACECOM, with a mission to conduct unified action with mission partners, space superiority operations to deter aggression, defend capability and defeat adversaries throughout the continuum of conflict. James, the tas ... read more
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
| The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us. |
del.icio.us
Digg
Reddit
Google
