PARMAN'S PAGE: Space News | Sports & Movie Info

Saturday, December 04, 2010

The X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV) on a runway at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California...after returning home from space on December 3, 2010.

U.S. Air Force

BACK ON THE GROUND... Yesterday morning, the U.S. Air Force’s newest space plane successfully touched down on a 15,000-foot-long runway at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California...after completing a nearly 225-day top secret mission that began with a launch from Florida last April. Below are photos of the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV) as it came to a stop on the runway and given a post-flight checkout by technicians wearing protective hazmat (hazardous materials) suits. Directly below is the video showing infrared footage of the OTV rolling along the runway after its glide home from outer space...

A second OTV is currently being manufactured for a test flight that is scheduled to take place next year.

An infrared image of the OTV rolling along the runway at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California...after returning home from space on December 3, 2010.

An infrared image of the OTV rolling along the runway at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California...after returning home from space on December 3, 2010.

U.S. Air Force

Two technicians wearing hazmat suits conduct a post-landing checkout on the OTV after its return home from space on December 3, 2010.

U.S. Air Force

The OTV on the runway at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California...after returning home from space on December 3, 2010.

Boeing Co.

Military personnel at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, conduct a post-landing checkout on the OTV after its return home from space on December 3, 2010.