Report: Secret Space Plane Likely an Orbiting Spy

[n2doc]

By Noah Shachtman May 14, 2010 | 12:30 pm | Categories: Air Force


When the U.S. Air Force launched its secret space plane last month, speculation about the X-37B’s true purpose ran wild.

Some conjectured that it might be a prototype for an orbiting bomber. Others warned of “a johnny-on-the-spot weapons platform to take out the satellite assets of an enemy.” Prominent members of the Russian military establishment screamed that Moscow needed to build up its own space arsenal, ASAP. The British press, meanwhile, made dark insinuations about “the testing of new laser weapon systems” in space.

The reality is probably less exotic. In all likelihood, the space plane is another way for the American military to spy on its foes from on high. That’s the conclusion of a new report from the Secure World Foundation, provided to Danger Room.

“Although there doesn’t appear to be any one mission that justifies the X-37B program, the ability to flight-test new sensors and hardware before they go into full development, combined with a more timely, flexible way to conduct surveillance, is why I think this program is going forward,” says former Air Force Space and Missile officer Brian Weeden, the report’s primary author.



Read More http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2010/05/secret-space-plane-likely-an-orbiting-spy-not-a-bomber-report/

[Orrex]

1. I like the part about "another way for the American military to spy on its foes"

I feel safer already!

[Scuba]

2. Real mission: to put US taxpayer dollars in the pockets of the already wealthy.

[cbdo2007]

3. Cool, I wonder what planet we're spying on....

[Old Troop]

4. Maybe they want to see if Chinese astronauts really eat dog

[Robb]

5. I still don't think so.

We have enough surveillance assets. Test platform makes some sense, but not much.

The author isn't thinking hard enough about weapons systems. It's not "either rockets or lasers," there are other possibilities that make sense -- included non-laser directed energy.

[Rex]

6. TIA needed an eagles eye view of the world...muahahahhahaaa.

It said in binary...

[arcadian]

7. Does the article mention the location of the launch.

Also, it looks like it's covered in black tile maybe in an attempt to keep it from reflecting the sun which would make it look like a satellite at night.