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X-37B Found By Amateur Sky Watchers

Posted by Soulskill on from the eye-in-the-sky dept.

otter42 writes "It seems that X-37B couldn't stay hidden forever. Launched a few weeks ago, The Flying Twinkie disappeared shortly after separation. Now it has been found in an orbit that takes it as far north as 40 degrees latitude. No additional information has been found about the spacecraft's capabilities or purpose, except for a US Air Force statement that the satellite has no space-weapons purpose. The X-37B is intended to fly for 9 months at a time, opening the door to possible space longevity experiments in addition to its spying tasks."

3 of 109 comments (clear)

  1. Oh really? by ringmaster1982 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    "in addition to its spying tasks." What tasks are these? Please elaborate, for the sake of accuracy of course.

  2. Re:Remarkable by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    "I find it amazing they've created a spaceship that can stay up in the sky for up to 9 months at a time."

    Really? There are craft up there that will stay thousands of years.

  3. Re:Remarkable by DarkKnightRadick · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I find it amazing they've created a spaceship that can stay up in the sky for up to 9 months at a time.

    How's that? There are no humans to feed or otherwise keep comfortable and alive. Small craft, electronics for spying, stable orbit. Sounds like it could stay up longer if needed.

    --
    "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." Proverbs 16:25 (NKJV)