The X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle was launched today at Cape Canaveral, and was propelled into orbit by an Atlas V rocket motor, which is typically used to launch satellites.
Built by Boeing Co.'s Phantom Works, the X-37 is much smaller than the space shuttle, but it's ultimate purpose is unknown, as the Air Force has been very quiet about it.
However, the ultimate purpose of the X-37B and details about the craft have longed remained a mystery, though experts said the spacecraft was intended to speed up development of combat-support systems and weapons systems.
"This launch helps ensure that our warfighters will be provided the capabilities they need in the future," Col. Andre Lovett, a launch official and vice commander of the Air Force's 45th Space Wing, said in Thursday's statement.
The new space plane cost hundreds of millions to develop, let us hope that money was not wasted on yet another military boondoggle.
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