19-06-2012 04:20 The Air Force's mini-Space Shuttle ,the X-37B, spent over a year traveling around our planet.That's a long time. What was it doing? We don't know—it's a secret. But now that it's finally landed, it's time for a few questions. Some of the cutting-edge technologies tested were the auto de-orbit capability, thermal protection tiles, and high-temperature components and seals. The Pentagon's mini spaceplane, one quarter the size of NASA's now-retired space shuttle, returned to Earth just after dawn Saturday for a pinpoint touchdown at Vandenberg Air Force Base. It is not known if the X-37B conducted reconnaissance activities during the flight. It does have the capability to deploy satellites in space. It was originally developed by NASA but was transferred to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in 2004. Music By Agriflex.
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Pentagon's Mini Shuttle Returns From Secret Space Mission - Video
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