In December 2012, the Pentagon, in conjunction with NASA and Boeing, launched the X-37B unmanned spacecraft into orbit, where it remained for more than a year – 469 days, to be exact – breaking its own longevity record.
See: Engineering Update #52: Secret Pentagon spacecraft stays in orbit for 469 days
The spacecraft, measuring over 29 feet in length, is designed to be reusable and launches atop an Atlas V version 501 rocket.
Savvy observers noted that the spacecraft’s orbit took it over countries like Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Coincidence?
Filed Under: Aerospace + defense
