X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle

In summary, the Pentagon's secret space drone is a highly classified vehicle that uses self-contained atmospheric protective suits to protect against potential leaks of toxic propellants, such as hydrazine or Chlorine trifluoride. These suits are also used to protect against potential radiation leaks, though it is not clear if this is a concern for the drone. The yellow object carried by a man in the first picture is possibly a Geiger counter. The purpose and capabilities of the drone remain a mystery, but speculation suggests it may be powered by a small nuclear reactor. The Air Force has been teasing the public with updates on the mysterious space plane, but details are still scarce.
  • #1
tionis
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http://nypost.com/2014/09/28/what-is-the-pentagons-secret-space-drone-doing/

Cool article. Couple of questions: Why do they need to use self-contained atmospheric protective ensemble suits around the drone? Is that yellow object the man is carrying in the first pic a Geiger counter?

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  • #2
Considering that most details about this vehicle are classified, I'm my sure you will get a definitive answer.
 
  • #3
You're right, but maybe someone here can give an educated guess. That attire they're wearing seems excessive unless the drone is radioactive or has some toxic coating or something. Maybe it's powered by a small nuclear reactor? I could speculate...lol.
 
  • #4
The outfit the guys have on is called a SCAPE suit (Self Contained Atmospheric Protective Ensemble). The only reason I know of for wearing one is to protect you from toxic propellants, most likely hydrazine which is commonly used for those small thrusters used for attitude adjustment. They might be wearing them because they suspect a hydrazine leak and the yellow box could be something to detect it with.

I suppose it's possible that there's something radioactive on board, but I can't imagine what it could be.
 
  • #5
A hydrazine leak -- definitely a good reason to wear those suits.
 
  • #6
It could be hydrazine or several other extremely hazardous oxidizers used as rocket fuel. We used Chlorine trifluoride to clean chambers of process byproducts but the stuff was so dangerous we removed it after a few false alarms.

http://pipeline.corante.com/archives/2008/02/26/sand_wont_save_you_this_time.php [Broken]
 
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  • #7
nsaspook, did you wear one of those suits?
 
  • #8
Highly toxic chemical propellants may leak from the vehicle. Same thing when they received the space shuttles.
 
  • #9
tionis said:
nsaspook, did you wear one of those suits?
We have A level suits for the response team.
http://www.sustainablesupply.com/Dupont-TK554TLY3X000100-Suit-Level-A-Yellow-p/w132796.htm

CIF3 Safetygram from a supplier.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/70607697/Safetygram-39-ClF3
 
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  • #10
A possible fuel leak is definitely a good reason to wear those. Hydrazine specifically is insanely toxic, and even short term exposures can lead to terrible things.
 
  • #12
More teasing from the Air Force: http://news.yahoo.com/sky-mystery-space-plane-why-190847322.html [Broken]

55ed584392869c28620f6a70670000d5.jpg
 
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1. What is the purpose of the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle?

The X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle is an unmanned spaceplane designed to perform experiments and test new technologies in space. It is also used to demonstrate reusable space vehicle technologies.

2. How long can the X-37B stay in orbit?

The X-37B has the ability to stay in orbit for up to 270 days, but has completed missions lasting over a year.

3. Who operates the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle?

The X-37B is operated by the United States Air Force Space Command, but the specific details of its missions and experiments are classified.

4. How many X-37B vehicles are there?

There are currently two X-37B vehicles in operation, with the first one being launched in 2010 and the second one in 2011.

5. What type of experiments are conducted on the X-37B?

The X-37B has been used to test technologies such as advanced guidance and navigation systems, thermal protection systems, and advanced propulsion systems. It has also carried out experiments related to space weather, materials science, and space radiation. The specific details of these experiments are not publicly disclosed.

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