re-posted here under fair use act for discussion only.
Vandenberg sets stage for unmanned spacecraft
By Janene Scully/Associate Editor | Posted: Wednesday, December 1, 2010 11:12 pm
After bidding farewell to more than 1,900 space vehicles, Vandenberg Air Force Base has worked to instead get ready to greet one very high-profile spacecraft.
The X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle, the Air Force’s unmanned miniature space shuttle, is scheduled to land as soon as Friday morning at Vandenberg’s 3-mile-long runway.
“This is a historical first, not only for Vandenberg Air Force Base but also our Air Force and our nation to receive a recoverable spacecraft here and really take a step forward for unmanned space flight,” said Col. Richard Boltz, 30th Space Wing commander.
Launched from the East Coast in April, the secretive X-37B plane is from the Air Force’s Rapid Capabilities Office. The spacecraft is designed to conduct experiments in space and test technologies and can stay in orbit for up to 270 days.
Weather could interfere with Friday’s landing plans; Boltz said a rain system
moving south is creating a 60 percent likelihood the landing attempt would have to be delayed.
Officials have said the landing attempt could occur between Friday and Monday, with one shot for Friday, but multiple tries other days. They remain mum about what time the autopiloted plane can return.
The small vehicle with a wingspan of 15 feet, length of 29 feet, height of nearly 10 feet and weight of 11,000 pounds, doesn’t have a lot of lights, so officials say landing likely won’t be visible. However, the spacecraft might create a sonic boom that could be heard on some parts of the Central Coast. Whether a sonic boom occurs — and can be heard by local residents — depends upon the vehicle’s speed, weather conditions and other factors.
For safety during its inaugural landing, the craft will approach the runway from the Pacific Ocean.
rest of article at link here;
http://www.lompocrecord.com/news/local/military/vandenberg/article_125fe1a2-fde4-11df-84f8-001cc4c002e0.html
Vandenberg sets stage for unmanned spacecraft
By Janene Scully/Associate Editor | Posted: Wednesday, December 1, 2010 11:12 pm
After bidding farewell to more than 1,900 space vehicles, Vandenberg Air Force Base has worked to instead get ready to greet one very high-profile spacecraft.
The X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle, the Air Force’s unmanned miniature space shuttle, is scheduled to land as soon as Friday morning at Vandenberg’s 3-mile-long runway.
“This is a historical first, not only for Vandenberg Air Force Base but also our Air Force and our nation to receive a recoverable spacecraft here and really take a step forward for unmanned space flight,” said Col. Richard Boltz, 30th Space Wing commander.
Launched from the East Coast in April, the secretive X-37B plane is from the Air Force’s Rapid Capabilities Office. The spacecraft is designed to conduct experiments in space and test technologies and can stay in orbit for up to 270 days.
Weather could interfere with Friday’s landing plans; Boltz said a rain system
moving south is creating a 60 percent likelihood the landing attempt would have to be delayed.
Officials have said the landing attempt could occur between Friday and Monday, with one shot for Friday, but multiple tries other days. They remain mum about what time the autopiloted plane can return.
The small vehicle with a wingspan of 15 feet, length of 29 feet, height of nearly 10 feet and weight of 11,000 pounds, doesn’t have a lot of lights, so officials say landing likely won’t be visible. However, the spacecraft might create a sonic boom that could be heard on some parts of the Central Coast. Whether a sonic boom occurs — and can be heard by local residents — depends upon the vehicle’s speed, weather conditions and other factors.
For safety during its inaugural landing, the craft will approach the runway from the Pacific Ocean.
rest of article at link here;
http://www.lompocrecord.com/news/local/military/vandenberg/article_125fe1a2-fde4-11df-84f8-001cc4c002e0.html
