X-37B

The Photovoltaic Radio-frequency Antenna Module (PRAM) that is designed to convert sunlight into microwaves for power transmission, with a 12-inch ruler for scale

Astronomy

X-37B spaceplane experiment to test tech for beaming solar power to Earth

When the US Air Force's X-37B autonomous spaceplane launched into orbit for the sixth time this week, it carried an experiment to explore the potential for beaming solar energy from space to Earth using microwaves.

The Hall thrusters that the X-37B will carry on its next mission are ion engines similar to the one on the Dawn deep space probe (Photo: US Air Force)

Astronomy

Hall ion thrusters to fly on X-37B spaceplane

When the unmanned X-37B mission lifts off from Cape Canaveral AFB on May 20, it will be carrying a Hall thruster as part of an experiment to improve the design for use on Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) military communications spacecraft.

The OTV-3 mission set a new record for time spent in orbit by a reusable spacecraft (Image: Boeing)

Astronomy

Top secret X-37B spaceplane breaks orbital endurance record

A secret mission came to a public end as the US Air Force’s top secret X-37B spaceplane landed at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The unmanned reusable spacecraft touched down on the runway like a conventional aircraft this morning at 9:24 am EDT after a record-breaking 674 days in orbit.