X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle and Derivatives

Abstract

The advantages of a reusable spacecraft for technology demonstations in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) operations are discussed. Programs are able to realize cost savings and acceleration of technology developmental timelines by focusing on the payload. Nonrecurring costs are substantially reduced by taking advantage of a mature spacecraft bus with well defined bus to payload interfaces and a ground station supported by seasoned mission operations staff using flight validated operational products. The return of experimental payloads enables post flight inspection, test, and analyses and reflight opportunities for more educated product improvements and shorter design cycle times. The X-37B recently completed its first test mission and demonstrated the viability of a small test platform that can return experiments for post flight inspection and analysis. Several key technologies for reusable spacecraft were successfully demonstrated in the areas of aerodynamics, aerothermodynamics, reusable solar arrays, Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) and autonomous Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC). The current system provides a demonstration platform for autonomous spacecraft technologies, on-orbit environments for material and microelectronic characterization and re-entry environments for advanced TPS materials and concepts. Automated Rendezvous and Docking for ISS operations or risk reduction for satellite servicing are discussed. Derivative vehicles supporting ISS cargo supply, crew transfer and soft return to runway landings are presented.