The United States Space Force operates the X-37B, a reusable, unmanned spacecraft designed for long-duration orbital missions. While U.S. officials state its purpose is to test new technologies, its classified activities and advanced capabilities have prompted significant concern from China and Russia, who speculate about its potential military applications.
Key Takeaways
- The X-37B is an unmanned, reusable orbital test vehicle operated by the U.S. Space Force.
- Its official purpose is testing technologies like advanced sensors and laser communications in space.
- Chinese researchers have labeled the craft a potential "space killer," fearing it could target satellites.
- Russia has suggested the X-37B could be a platform for delivering nuclear weapons, a claim U.S. analysts dispute due to its small size.
- The secrecy surrounding the X-37B's missions continues to fuel international speculation about its true purpose.
What is the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle?
The X-37B, also known as the Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV), is a robotic spacecraft developed for the United States. It launches vertically on a rocket, operates in low-Earth orbit for extended periods, and lands horizontally on a runway like a conventional airplane. Its design allows for the testing of new space technologies in a real-world environment and returning them to Earth for analysis.
Since its inaugural flight in 2010, the X-37B program has been managed by the U.S. Air Force and now the U.S. Space Force. The vehicle is manufactured by Boeing and represents a key platform for advancing American space capabilities. According to official statements, its missions are focused on demonstrating reusable space technologies and conducting experiments.
X-37B Specifications
- Length: 29 feet, 3 inches (8.9 meters)
- Wingspan: 14 feet, 11 inches (4.5 meters)
- Launch Weight: 11,000 pounds (4,990 kilograms)
- Orbit: Low-Earth orbit, between 150 and 500 miles altitude
- Power Source: Gallium Arsenide solar cells and lithium-ion batteries
Official Mission vs. International Concerns
The U.S. government maintains that the X-37B is an experimental platform. Missions have reportedly tested technologies such as advanced guidance systems, thermal protection, autonomous orbital flight, and reusable components. Experiments have also focused on laser communications and quantum sensors.
However, the classified nature of its payloads and its ability to maneuver in orbit have led to widespread speculation. International observers, particularly from China and Russia, have expressed apprehension about its potential use as a space weapon. The long duration of its missions, one of which exceeded 900 days, adds to these concerns.
China's 'Space Killer' Accusation
Researchers associated with China's military have been vocal in their assessment of the X-37B. Wang Tiantian and Feng Songjiang, from the Space Security Research Center at China’s Space Engineering University, have described the vehicle as a potential "space killer." They suggest its onboard systems could be used to inspect, disable, or even destroy other nations' satellites.
These concerns are amplified by the possibility that the X-37B could integrate into the U.S. military's Prompt Global Strike concept, a system designed to deliver conventional strikes anywhere on Earth within an hour. While there is no public evidence to support this, the vehicle's capabilities make it a subject of intense scrutiny for Chinese military planners.
China's Own Anti-Satellite Programs
China's concerns about the X-37B exist alongside its own significant development of anti-satellite (ASAT) capabilities. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is actively developing ground-based missiles and lasers designed to target satellites. According to Gen. Chance Saltzman, head of U.S. Space Operations, these systems could be deployed before the end of the decade. China also operates a reusable robotic spacecraft named Shenlong, which has completed its own long-duration missions.
Russian Claims of a Space-Based Bomber
Russian officials have put forward a different theory, suggesting the X-37B is a platform for delivering nuclear weapons from orbit. Yan Novikov, the director-general of the Russian defense company Almaz-Antey, claimed the spacecraft could carry up to three nuclear warheads. This narrative portrays the X-37B as a direct threat to Russia's strategic security.
However, analysts in the United States largely dismiss these claims as implausible. Kyle Mizokami, writing for Popular Mechanics, noted the X-37B's cargo bay is approximately the size of a standard pickup truck bed, measuring about 6.9 feet long and 3.9 feet wide. This severely limits the size and number of weapons it could carry.
"While the subsonic Tomahawk cruise missile could conceivably carry a W-80 thermonuclear warhead, both the missile and the warhead would have to be highly modified to re-enter the earth’s atmosphere, increasing their size to the extent that the X-37B could only carry three."
Furthermore, its operation in a predictable low-Earth orbit makes it highly visible to ground-based radar and telescopes, eliminating the element of surprise required for such a strike. Russia also possesses air-defense systems capable of targeting objects in low-Earth orbit, further undermining the credibility of the space bomber theory.
The Ongoing Mission of the X-37B
The U.S. Space Force's Delta 9 unit continues to operate the X-37B program. It is believed that the U.S. possesses two such vehicles. The program's success was recognized in 2020 when it was awarded the Collier Trophy, a prestigious aviation award, for pushing the boundaries of flight and space exploration.
The most recent mission, designated OTV-8, launched on August 21. According to the Space Force, this flight will conduct a new series of experiments. The continued operation of the X-37B ensures that it will remain a focal point of international debate over the weaponization of space.
Despite persistent accusations from China and Russia, the U.S. position remains unchanged: the X-37B is a testbed for technology, not a weapon. Until more information about its missions is declassified, the vehicle will likely continue to be a source of speculation and strategic concern for global powers.