Photos of X-37 being towed to the hangar.
http://www.spaceflightnow.com/news/n1012/12x37gallery/
Now it is clearly visible, that there is only one engine. And it appears to be slightly right of the center line.
What a great series of pictures.
Does anyone know what the two big blocks are for under the X-37?
Maybe they are high density foam blocks as insurance in case there was landing gear damage? At least untill they could make an initial gear assessment? Just a WAG.
Photos of X-37 being towed to the hangar.
http://www.spaceflightnow.com/news/n1012/12x37gallery/
Now it is clearly visible, that there is only one engine. And it appears to be slightly right of the center line.
What a great series of pictures.
Does anyone know what the two big blocks are for under the X-37?
Maybe they are high density foam blocks as insurance in case there was landing gear damage? At least untill they could make an initial gear assessment? Just a WAG.
The left gear wheel blew, so perhaps these were related to that event.
- Ed Kyle
I don't actually know, but they look like they could hold the vehicle up while mechanics either compressed the landing gear struts or partially retracted the gear to replace the blown tires and/or do other servicing work. Pretty clever if so.
Here is an update on the second X-37b flight on March 4, 2011:
http://www.spaceflightnow.com/news/n1101/31otv2/The article discusses the possibility of a third flight using the same spacecraft as the one that was used for OTV-1.
Giese said he anticipates a third X-37 flight some time in the future, but the Air Force has not decided when it would launch. The X-37 craft that just returned to Earth in December would be assigned to fly a third OTV mission, according to Giese.
"The refurbishment of that vehicle will play a major part of that decision," Giese said.
Here is an update on the second X-37b flight on March 4, 2011:
http://www.spaceflightnow.com/news/n1101/31otv2/
The article discusses the possibility of a third flight using the same spacecraft as the one that was used for OTV-1.
Giese said he anticipates a third X-37 flight some time in the future, but the Air Force has not decided when it would launch. The X-37 craft that just returned to Earth in December would be assigned to fly a third OTV mission, according to Giese.
"The refurbishment of that vehicle will play a major part of that decision," Giese said.
Hmmm...maybe I should look to extend my stay at KSC now until March 6??
