By Ranjan Bhaduri
Florida, Mar 20, (THAINDIAN NEWS) A space shuttle built by the USA which was kept under wraps so far is awaiting its maiden flight into space. Dan Billow, the WESH 2 Space Expert recently divulged the details about the x37 space shuttle that will take its first flight in next month. The shuttle has been named as X-37B/OTV. It is rather small in size compared to conventional space shuttles. While it was supposed to take 6 astronauts into space initially, now it is ready to fly without a single person on board, as it has been reported. It was earlier tested by NASA in California. The original plans for the x37 were changed after its responsibility was given to the Air Force.

The air force decided to develop the new space plane without any crew carrying facility. As per the US air Force, the x37 will be utilized for space research activities in the near future. It will be launched into the space from Florida’s Cape Canaveral. The space shuttle which is reusable can stay in space at a stretch for a duration of 270 days which is quite commendable. It is 4.5 meter wide and 9 meter long. It was created in Boeing Phantom Works. The original design was conceived by NASA and Pentagon got hold of it later.

The initial tests carried out on the x378 shuttle were partially successful but the Air Force is confident that t is capable of overcoming those drawbacks. As per the report, a powerful and latest Atlas V launch rocket will be used for launching the mini shuttle. The air force spokespersons are not willing to divulge more on the x37 and its date of return is not yet known.