Boeing X-37
The civilian reusable complex with an orbital aircraft, which is being worked on at the Molniya Scientific and Production Association (NPO), where the Soviet reusable spacecraft Buran was created, will turn out to be an analogue of the American reusable mini-shuttle X-37B, RIA Novosti reports, referring to source in the rocket and space industry.
According to the interlocutor, the device created by the NGO “is an unmanned civilian analogue of the American X-37B, that is, it should be created in the same dimension. It is not intended for manned flights, but is designed for the delivery and return of cargo from space. “
The source added that the civilian reusable complex with an orbital aircraft will be launched by a Soyuz rocket.
Olga Sokolova, General Director of the enterprise, spoke about the work on the reusable spacecraft being carried out at NPO Molniya in March. According to her, the flight of this product should take place no later than 2026. Sokolova also recalled that at present NPO Molniya, owned by the Kalashnikov group, is being transferred to the Tactical Missile Armament Corporation (KTRV).
In May 2016, experts interviewed by Space.com stated that the X-37B mini-shuttle is designed to practice the destruction of space satellites, and one of its goals is to test the economic efficiency of such actions in comparison with rocket elimination means.
