Secret space shuttle orbiting overhead

Unbeknownst to many Americans, a top-secret space shuttle has been orbiting overhead for the past year. The shuttle, known only as the X-37B is the second such shuttle and in early March, it marked one year in orbit. 

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Flying over 200 miles above earth's surface, the secret shuttle is unmanned and controlled remotely by personnel on the ground. The shuttle operates on solar power and has a cargo bay the size of a pickup truck's bed. 

The shuttle was launched from Cape Canaveral on March 5, 2011 and has no windows or crew compartment. The original version completed a test flight in 2010 and a third secret shuttle will fly in the fall of 2012. 

While the program is considered secret, it has not been kept from public view. Following the launch experienced skywatchers from around the globe observed the shuttle orbiting the above with the naked eye. It is common to see orbiting spacecraft from the ground and experienced observers can identify new ones by studying their orbits and comparing them with launch schedules. 

The Air Force has also commented publicly on the shuttle explaining that it is an experimental craft and that they are trying to push the vehicle to its limits of endurance and functionality by extending its mission. Beyond that, officials are keeping mum. 

Eventually, the X-37B will return to Earth. Using GPS and onboard computers, the secret shuttle is expected to glide itself to a safe landing at Vandenberg AFB. The landing date is a secret, but just as in 2010, it will betray its landing time with a sonic boom along the California coast.

The X-37B is built by Boeing and was originally a NASA project before it was taken over by the Air Force in 2006. Two craft were built. 

It is unknown if the Air Force will order more of the vehicles or if they will be used in a military capacity. 

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