"Pat Flannery" wrote in message
dakotatelephone...
Me wrote:

1. Nope. no rendezvous capability


We don't know that; the rendezvous antennas could deploy from inside the cargo
bay, and it does have RCS and maneuvering engines:
http://a52.g.akamaitech.net/f/52/827...hematic_02.jpg


A statement from the Secretary of the Air Force, states the OTV program
will focus on "risk reduction, experimentation, and operational concept
development for reusable space vehicle technologies, in support of long
term developmental space objectives. The X-37B effort will be led
by the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X-37B


RAPID CAPABILITIES OFFICE


Mission

"The Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office expedites development and fielding
of select Department of Defense combat support and weapon systems by
leveraging defense-wide technology development efforts and existing
operational capabilities. The Board of Directors tasks the office directly
to address needs that involve mission applications and operational concepts
requiring specialized expertise, and involve sensitive activities managed
by other government agencies. The office also conducts projects on
accelerated timelines."
http://www.af.mil/information/factsh....asp?fsID=3466


Notice the two important statements, that this office deals with
higly secret military systems which need to be ...QUICKLY....
developed.

Strongly reinforcing my conclusion the X-37B will win the
race to replace the shuttle.



s






Pat