Boeing X-37 NASA

The Boeing X-37 is an advanced technology flight demonstrator used by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The reusable robotic spacecraft is a 120 percent scaled derivative of the X-40A and will help define the future of space transportation. It will test and validate technologies in the environment of space as well as test system performance of the vehicle during orbital flight, reentry and landing. Results from the spacecraft will aid in the design and development of NASA's Orbital Space Plane, which will provide a crew rescue and crew transport capability to and from the International Space Station. The X-37 is capable of being ferried into orbit on an expendable launch vehicle and will have the ability to reach speeds of up to Mach 25.

On September 2, 2004, it was reported that for its initial atmospheric drop tests, the X-37 would be launched from the Scaled Composites White Knight, a high-altitude research aircraft. On June 21, 2005, the X-37 completed a _captive-carry_ flight underneath the White Knight at Mojave Spaceport in Mojave, California. The vehicle underwent structural upgrades through the second half of 2005.

The X-37's public debut was scheduled on March 10, 2006. It was to be the spacecraft's first free flight which would be broadcast live on NASA TV. However, an Arctic storm caused the event to be moved to another day. After the second attempt was cancelled due to high winds, the X-37 finally made its first free flight on April 7, 2006. Unfortunately, the vehicle run off the runway during landing, resulting in minor damage. Following repairs, five additional flights were performed, and at least one is believed to have been a free flight with a successful landing.