Updates X-37B atop of Atlas 5 on March 4th 2011

[Izack]

After 60 years of throwing stuff up there, we pretty much know how everything works.

After thousands of years of pushing stuff into the water, we're still continuously thinking up and testing new designs and materials. :shrug:

 

[orb]

Landing video

Landing video:

 

[orb]

A few photos from after the landing in there:

Spaceflight Now: Photos: X-37B returns to Earth

Parabolic Arc: Cool Photos: X-37B on the Runway After Landing

 

[Loru]

looks pretty nice after reentry - almost intact

 

[Codz]

Congratulations to the USAF for what I assume was a successful mission.

 

[Fabri91]

Is it just an impression or is the engine mounted off-axis? Didn't notice it before.

 

[Donamy]

It is indeed, look here and scroll down.

http://spaceflightnow.com/atlas/av026/preland/

 

[T.Neo]

It means that they have found a propellant that is be reliable over an extended duration.

Like the usual propellants that are stored inside comsats and space probes for decades?

 

[Urwumpe]

Is it just an impression or is the engine mounted off-axis? Didn't notice it before.

It is not off-axis, the aerodynamic fuselage is off-axis. :lol:

It is likely because usually solar arrays are deployed sideways, which cause the CoG to be shifted to the side in orbit configuration.

 

[Capt_hensley]

It is not off-axis, the aerodynamic fuselage is off-axis. :lol:

It is likely because usually solar arrays are deployed sideways, which cause the CoG to be shifted to the side in orbit configuration.

Content removed by the author.
Just for sanity, take these comments for what they are worth since I cant seem to find the conceptual or actual data.

 

[Urwumpe]

A single engine would be off axis, however the ship can accomodate two engines of this size, the second one, is not installed on both OVs, the second engine would accomodate a higer orbit, and was deemed not neccessary for these flights.

Who ever told you that, has no clue about spaceflight at all.


Thrust force does not have any (direct) influence on the maximal orbit height of a spacecraft. (Indirectly, it could reduce gravity losses during long burns by making the burns shorter). A second engine would actually reduce the maximum available Delta-v and lower the maximal orbit height. (You would likely loose 50 times more dV to the engine mass than what you gain by reducing gravity losses at such low flight path angles)

 

[Capt_hensley]

Content removed by the author.
Just for sanity, take these comments for what they are worth since I cant seem to find the conceptual or actual data.
Yes I have a clue, and a clupon, just not at this moment, a senior moment apparently.

 

[Urwumpe]

Still we both have access to the same formulas and physical background information, that makes it possible to evaluate such claims.

Not everything that makes no sense at first glance is nonsense, but some reasons why something is like it is, sure can be wrong.

Also, a second engine would fit there, the engine bells would overlap, if I see this correctly.

 

[RGClark]

looks pretty nice after reentry - almost intact

The thermal protection tiles are supposed to be tougher than the shuttle versions. I'd like to see how much maintenance has to be put into them on return.

Bob Clark

 

[C3PO]

The thermal protection tiles are supposed to be tougher than the shuttle versions. I'd like to see how much maintenance has to be put into them on return.

I'm still amazed by how well those TPS tiles are performing. By the time the X-37B touches down only the tiles on the nose are a bit warm. And even those are colder than the tires get on roll-out.

 

[orb]

Col. Dave Hook, 30th Operations Group Commander, comments on the X-37B landing at Vandenberg AFB on June 16th, 2012.

 

[N_Molson]

Dave Mook should try 50+ sun lotion. :lol:

 

[Urwumpe]

Dave Mook should try 50+ sun lotion. :lol:

If he has my skin type, this would only permit 500 minutes in the sunlight, which can be pretty short. :lol:

 

[RGClark]

I'm still amazed by how well those TPS tiles are performing. By the time the X-37B touches down only the tiles on the nose are a bit warm. And even those are colder than the tires get on roll-out.

Hadn't heard that. Got a ref?


Bob Clark

 

[Urwumpe]

Hadn't heard that. Got a ref?


Bob Clark

There are thermal IR camera videos of the landing in the internet, for example on youtube.