http://www.gizmag.com/boeing-x-37b-unma ... ght/17209/So, while the shuttles are gone - sadly - does the new X-37b spaceplane represent something of a step in the right direction?
I'm intrigued by it, as it seems to be a test for all manner of new technologies and concepts. It's also interesting that it's operated by the USAF rather than by NASA, who seem to have little-to-no involvement with the project so far, although details and specifics are hard to come by.
It's less enthralling that it's an unmanned program, but that's probably due to the current driving trend for unmanned vehicles, and the fact that the removal of humans from the design means that it's much, much easier to build something to go into space if you don't have to include environmental systems.
Still, I'm interested in the potential of the X-37, and what it could - potentially - mean for future space developments and technologies, and if nothing else, that government-funded space development isn't dead in the USA, at least. Here in the UK, we have no space programme at all!
