-
#520
by
robertross
on 04 Dec, 2010 00:57
-
SO SO COOL!!!
Congrats to a job well done!
(And thanks to USAF for the images & videos, and those providing said images on here)
-
#521
by
JosephB
on 04 Dec, 2010 01:11
-
Do you think they have done away with gap fillers on X-37?
I'd think a future article on how TPS improvements fared (compared to Shuttle) wouldn't be classified info.
-
#522
by
edkyle99
on 04 Dec, 2010 04:01
-
This thingy here is the most interesting part of the images to my eyes. First view I've seen of it - whatever "it" specifically is.
- Ed Kyle
-
#523
by
hop
on 04 Dec, 2010 04:16
-
This thingy here is the most interesting part of the images to my eyes. First view I've seen of it - whatever "it" specifically is.
You mean the connector on the tail ? I assumed that was something to do with purging/safing RCS prop ?
-
#524
by
edkyle99
on 04 Dec, 2010 04:20
-
This thingy here is the most interesting part of the images to my eyes. First view I've seen of it - whatever "it" specifically is.
You mean the connector on the tail ? I assumed that was something to do with purging/safing RCS prop ?
No. I'm pointing to the engine.
- Ed Kyle
-
#525
by
vt_hokie
on 04 Dec, 2010 06:09
-
Yeah, I noticed it too, but just figured that's what it uses to de-orbit (and perhaps is used for some orbital maneuvers along with the other RCS thrusters).
-
#526
by
vt_hokie
on 04 Dec, 2010 06:10
-
SO SO COOL!!!
Congrats to a job well done!
(And thanks to USAF for the images & videos, and those providing said images on here)
Well said, my sentiments as well!
-
#527
by
eeergo
on 04 Dec, 2010 07:43
-
No. I'm pointing to the engine.
- Ed Kyle
Slightly better view in the first posted image (higher res, same angle)
-
#528
by
CitabriaFlyer
on 04 Dec, 2010 11:03
-
Does the engine nozzle seem a little big for a spacecraft of this size?
-
#529
by
Jim
on 04 Dec, 2010 12:11
-
Waterproofing on a vehicle that never is exposed to the elements since it is launched in a fairing?
-
#530
by
Mark Dave
on 04 Dec, 2010 13:27
-
I saw this on the news last night. After seven months in orbit it returned. Of course-Top Secret.
Though will similar vehicles be used someday by NASA?
-
#531
by
Danderman
on 04 Dec, 2010 15:07
-
BTW, I can’t believe there hasn’t been any speculation yet about something very obvious in the video.
Do you mean the thing sticking out of the top? Looks like the speed brake to me.
It is
The implication is that its a radiator, as well.
-
#532
by
Jim
on 04 Dec, 2010 15:15
-
BTW, I can’t believe there hasn’t been any speculation yet about something very obvious in the video.
Do you mean the thing sticking out of the top? Looks like the speed brake to me.
It is
The implication is that its a radiator, as well.
The radiator deploys from the payload bay
-
#533
by
brihath
on 04 Dec, 2010 15:26
-
BTW, I can’t believe there hasn’t been any speculation yet about something very obvious in the video.
Do you mean the thing sticking out of the top? Looks like the speed brake to me.
It is
The implication is that its a radiator, as well.
The radiator deploys from the payload bay
More like a speed brake, I think, similar to the F-15. The Shuttle rudder splits to act as a speed brake, but I don't they do on this vehicle.
-
#534
by
edkyle99
on 04 Dec, 2010 16:36
-
No. I'm pointing to the engine.
- Ed Kyle
Slightly better view in the first posted image (higher res, same angle)
Thanks! This engine is a mystery to me. Who makes it, what it is named, what is its thrust and ISP, etc.? It looks like a high-ISP nozzle - and it looks like something that produces more thrust than I would have expected. A hot rod. Now why would X-37B need so much thrust? It must be in a hurry to "maneuver".
- Ed Kyle
-
#535
by
MP99
on 04 Dec, 2010 17:24
-
No. I'm pointing to the engine.
- Ed Kyle
Slightly better view in the first posted image (higher res, same angle)
Thanks! This engine is a mystery to me. Who makes it, what it is named, what is its thrust and ISP, etc.? It looks like a high-ISP nozzle - and it looks like something that produces more thrust than I would have expected. A hot rod. Now why would X-37B need so much thrust? It must be in a hurry to "maneuver".
- Ed Kyle
Surely a high Isp engine would make efficient use of any propellant if multiple manoeuvres are required during an extended mission.
If there's any requirement to avoid attracting attention during manoeuvres, ISTM a high thrust / Isp engine would minimise the length of burn and attract the least notice?
cheers, Martin
-
#536
by
robertross
on 04 Dec, 2010 17:38
-
No. I'm pointing to the engine.
- Ed Kyle
Slightly better view in the first posted image (higher res, same angle)
Thanks! This engine is a mystery to me. Who makes it, what it is named, what is its thrust and ISP, etc.? It looks like a high-ISP nozzle - and it looks like something that produces more thrust than I would have expected. A hot rod. Now why would X-37B need so much thrust? It must be in a hurry to "maneuver".
- Ed Kyle
Good catch.
Well it obviously shows signs of firing, and substantial discolouration due to very high temps.
And I doubt they would design around cryos for long-durations on-orbit for such a small vehicle.
So that leaves hypergols as the likely propellant.
-
#537
by
ugordan
on 04 Dec, 2010 17:40
-
So that leaves hypergols as the likely propellant.
That kind of would explain the hazmat suits...
-
#538
by
mmeijeri
on 04 Dec, 2010 17:44
-
-
#539
by
Lee Jay
on 04 Dec, 2010 18:06
-
Wow - 2300fps delta-V through two 110 lbf thrusters.
So, if this thing is the SR-71 replacement, this is probably to make it hard to predict where and when it will fly over you. Lots of delta-V for lots of orbital maneuvers and for makeup thrust for atmospheric drag in low-altitude conditions.