What's the future of X-37/X-40?

(vthokie) wrote in
om:

Does the Bush administration's unfortunate decision to return to
Apollo-style capsules and expendable launch vehicles mean an end to
programs such as X-37?

http://www.boeing.com/phantom/x37.html

The statement in the UPI story that "Bush will direct NASA to scale back or
scrap all existing programs that do not support the new effort" certainly
implies that. However, since X-37 was a joint program with the USAF, it's
possible the USAF will continue it on their own.


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"vthokie" wrote in message
om...
Does the Bush administration's unfortunate decision to return to
Apollo-style capsules and expendable launch vehicles mean an end to
programs such as X-37?

http://www.boeing.com/phantom/x37.html

After a series of disappointing failures, including X-33 and X-34, it
would be a shame to see yet another RLV technology demonstrator lead
nowhere.

Unknown if it will survive but much of the equipment should.

X-37 is designed for long space dormancy followed by over 2 k delta V
maneuvering.

Scale it up a little, take of the reentry equipment, add some landing pads
and you have a lunar Lander.

vthokie wrote:

Does the Bush administration's unfortunate decision to return to
Apollo-style capsules and expendable launch vehicles mean an end to
programs such as X-37?

http://www.boeing.com/phantom/x37.html

After a series of disappointing failures, including X-33 and X-34, it
would be a shame to see yet another RLV technology demonstrator lead
nowhere.

Fortunately, we don't need more technology demonstrators. We've had all
the technology we need to make fully-reusable launchers for 30+ years.