I've read speculation on other sites that possibly the tires were only inflated a short time prior to landing using some sort of device...
Is it known if the solar array was folded up and stowed? Or was it simply jettisoned before the doors closed? Jettison would have to be after the deorbit burn, to avoid it becoming debris?
Jettison after the reentry burn sounds like a scary potential failure mode to me...
I am a space modelist and I want to build a flying scale model of Atlas V 501 - OTV-3. For this I need a detailed plan of the rocket, especialy the first stage zone of the engins skirt. Also I need some pictures of details and a color scheme. Thank you in advance. ION
Now that the official photos have been released, one of my own.
Quote from: Helodriver on 10/24/2014 08:29 pmNow that the official photos have been released, one of my own. Why is the engine off centered? Is it the deployable solar panel?
Quote from: happyflower on 04/26/2015 05:27 amQuote from: Helodriver on 10/24/2014 08:29 pmNow that the official photos have been released, one of my own. Why is the engine off centered? Is it the deployable solar panel?The X-37 was changed several times during development. It was once to have 2 engines, but later one was deleted.
Quote from: Skyrocket on 04/26/2015 09:08 amQuote from: happyflower on 04/26/2015 05:27 amQuote from: Helodriver on 10/24/2014 08:29 pmNow that the official photos have been released, one of my own. Why is the engine off centered? Is it the deployable solar panel?The X-37 was changed several times during development. It was once to have 2 engines, but later one was deleted.But dont you want the engine push to go through the center of the mass of the craft? How can they just get rid of one of the engines and be off centered and maintain thrust without pushing the craft to one side?