Mysterious X-37B to Fly Again
A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket launched the AFSPC-5 mission for the U.S. Air Force on May 20, 2015, from Space Launch Complex (SLC)-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. The mission is the 4th flight of the mysterious X-37B space plane, also known as the Orbital Test Vehicle. See photos from the mission, called OTV-4, here. At Left: The X-37B space plane is seen after landing at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California to end its third mission in October 2014. (Editor’s Note: This Slideshow was updated on Dec. 26, 2016).
OTV-4: X-37B’s Fourth Flight
The mission poster for the fourth X-37B space plane launch by the U.S. Air Force and United Launch Alliance. The X-37B is also known as the Orbital Test Vehicle, hence the mission’s OTV-4 designation. This flight is called the AFSCP-5 flight for Air Force Space Command 5.
X-37B Space Plane 4th Launch Stage Separation
The Air Force’s robotic X-37B space plane launched aboard an Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on May 20, 2015. This image shows stage separation as the rocket ascends.
AFSPC-5 Launch on May 20, 2015 #3
An Atlas V rocket launched the Air Force Space Command 5 (AFSPC-5) satellite for the U.S. Air Force from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on May 20, 2015. The rocket carried the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV), also referred to as a space plane.
AFSPC-5 Launch on May 20, 2015 #2
An Atlas V rocket launched the Air Force Space Command 5 (AFSPC-5) satellite for the U.S. Air Force from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on May 20, 2015. The rocket carried the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV), also referred to as a space plane.
AFSPC-5 Launch on May 20, 2015 #1
An Atlas V rocket launched the Air Force Space Command 5 (AFSPC-5) satellite for the U.S. Air Force from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on May 20, 2015. The rocket carried the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV), also referred to as a space plane.
A Solar-Powered Space Plane
The X-37B space plane is a robotic spacecraft built for long-duration missions in orbit. The spacecraft has a payload bay the size of a pickup truck bed, and carries a solar array to generate powere during the long months in space. This image shows an artist’s depiction of the X-37B in orbit.
X-37B in Rocket Nose Cone
When readied for launch, the X-37B space plane is packed upright inside a rocket payload fairing (the nose cone) as shown in this image from the first X-37B launch (OTV-1) in 2010.
X-37B Space Plane 4th Launch
The Air Force’s robotic X-37B space plane launched aboard an Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on May 20, 2015.
X-37B Space Plane 4th Launch #2
The Air Force’s robotic X-37B space plane launched aboard an Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on May 20, 2015.
X-37B Space Plane 4th Launch #3
The Air Force’s robotic X-37B space plane launched aboard an Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on May 20, 2015.
X-37B Space Plane Rollout 1
At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, an Atlas V rocket carrying the Air Force’s X-37B space plane rolls out to the launch pad on May 19, 2015. Launch of the AFSPC-5 mission is scheduled for May 20.
X-37B Space Plane Rollout 2
At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, an Atlas V rocket carrying the Air Force’s X-37B space plane rolls out to the launch pad on May 19, 2015. Launch of the AFSPC-5 mission is scheduled for May 20.
X-37B Space Plane Rollout 3
At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, an Atlas V rocket carrying the Air Force’s X-37B space plane rolls out to the launch pad on May 19, 2015. Launch of the AFSPC-5 mission is scheduled for May 20.
X-37B Space Plane Rollout 4
At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, an Atlas V rocket carrying the Air Force’s X-37B space plane rolls out to the launch pad on May 19, 2015. Launch of the AFSPC-5 mission is scheduled for May 20.
AFSPC-5 Payload Encapsulation Raising Up
The Air Force’s AFSPC-5 payload inside a 5-meter diameter payload fairing undergoes mating to an Atlas V booster inside the Vertical Integration Facility at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station’s Space in Florida. Launch is set for May 20, 2015.
Mystery Space Plane to Launch May 20
The Air Force’s AFSPC-5 payload inside a 5-meter diameter payload fairing undergoes mating to an Atlas V booster inside the Vertical Integration Facility at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station’s Space in Florida. Launch is set for May 20, 2015.
AFSPC-5 Payload Mating Distant View
The Air Force’s AFSPC-5 payload inside a 5-meter diameter payload fairing undergoes mating to an Atlas V booster inside the Vertical Integration Facility at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station’s Space in Florida. Launch is set for May 20, 2015.
AFSPC-5 Payload Encapsulation
The Air Force’s AFSPC-5 payload, encapsulated inside a 5-meter diameter payload fairing, is mated to an Atlas V booster inside the Vertical Integration Facility or VIF at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station’s Space Launch Complex-41. Launch is set for May 20, 2015.
AFSPC-5 Payload Encapsulation High Angle
The Air Force’s AFSPC-5 payload inside a 5-meter diameter payload fairing undergoes mating to an Atlas V booster inside the Vertical Integration Facility at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station’s Space in Florida. Launch is set for May 20, 2015.
AFSPC-5 Payload Encapsulation Looking Out
The Air Force’s AFSPC-5 payload inside a 5-meter diameter payload fairing undergoes mating to an Atlas V booster inside the Vertical Integration Facility at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station’s Space in Florida. Launch is set for May 20, 2015.
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