https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/what-air-forces-mysterious-x-37b-space-drone-79121

Agreed and corrected :)

https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/what-air-forces-mysterious-x-37b-space-drone-79121

Agreed and corrected :)

A robotic space drone that can be launced like the space shuttle which is depicted with NASA sign or USAF letters...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_X-37 (english version)

https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_X-37 (german version)

https://www.airspacemag.com/space/spaceplane-x-37-180957777/

https://www.golem.de/news/raumfahrt-geheimes-raumfahrzeug-x-37b-stellt-neuen-rekord-auf-1908-143464.html

https://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/article202571668/Geheimprojekt-USA-holen-Weltall-Drohne-zurueck-auf-die-Erde.html

First of all X-37B, not X-378.

As for the applications, then most likely the next big stick.

https://www.space.com/8239-details-secretive-37b-space-plane-revealed.html

Nice nick name: Space Shutle junior (only 9 meter long)...

https://scilogs.spektrum.de/astras-spacelog/space-shuttle-junior/

It is the fifth spaceplane of the world, see

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_X-37#/media/File:World's_First_Five_Spaceplanes.PNG

It is also known as OTV (Orbital Test Vehicle), see

https://lexikon.astronomie.info/satelliten/otv-x-37/index.html

OTV 5 has stayed hidden in space for a long time, but at last found by sattelite spotters, see http://spaceflight101.com/x-37b-otv-5/x-37b-otv-5-identified-in-orbit/

More freely available pictures about this semi-secret unmanned spaceflight plane/drone and its technical abilities...

More freely available pictures about this semi-secret spaceflight and its technical abilities...

https://www.golem.de/news/raumfahrt-geheimes-raumfahrzeug-x-37b-stellt-neuen-rekord-auf-1908-143464.html

This link also contains two videos and a lot of info, e.g. that Boing has built two spaceplanes X-37b...

"Über die Missionen von X-37B ist wenig bekannt: Es wird von der US-Luftwaffe eingesetzt. Die nannte als Ziel des X-37B-Programms, Komponenten für wiederverwendbare Raumfahrzeuge zu testen, darunter Antriebe, Materialien für Hitzeschilde, Systeme für die Flugsteuerung und die Navigation. Die Secure World Foundation jedoch glaubt, dass das X-37B auch für die Spionage und Aufklärung eingesetzt wird. Das Programm sei schon allein wegen der Kosten nicht als reine Testmission zu rechtfertigen..."

"Das Raumfahrzeug X37-B OTV wurde vom US-Luft- und Raumfahrtkonzern Boeing für die US-Luftwaffe entwickelt. Es ist 9 Meter lang und hat eine Spannweite von etwa 4,5 Metern. Es sieht dem Spaceshuttle ähnlich, ist aber gedrungener und deutlich kleiner. Größter Unterschied sind die viel kleineren Tragflächen sowie das kombinierte Höhen- und Seitenleitwerk (V-Leitwerk).

Das mit Solarenergie angetriebene Raumfahrzeug hat eine 2,1 x 1,2 Meter große Ladebucht für verschiedene Instrumente.",

Source: https://www.golem.de/news/raumfahrt-geheimes-raumfahrzeug-x-37b-stellt-neuen-rekord-auf-1908-143464.html

Official Boing-Webpage of the X-37b, URL:

https://www.boeing.com/defense/autonomous-systems/x37b/index.page

"Purpose:

The X-37B is one of the world’s newest and most advanced re-entry spacecraft, designed to operate in low-earth orbit, 150 to 500 miles above the Earth. The vehicle is the first since the Space Shuttle with the ability to return experiments to Earth for further inspection and analysis. This United States Air Force unmanned space vehicle explores reusable vehicle technologies that support long-term space objectives.

Solution:

• The vehicle features many elements that mark a first use in space, including:
• Avionics designed to automate all de-orbit and landing functions.
• Flight controls and brakes using all electro-mechanical actuation; no hydraulics on board.
• Built using a lighter composite structure, rather than traditional aluminum.
• New generation of high-temperature wing leading-edge tiles and toughened uni-piece fibrous refractory oxidation-resistant ceramic (TUFROC) tiles.
• Advanced conformal reusable insulation (CRI) blankets.
• Toughened uni-piece fibrous insulation (TUFI) impregnated silica tiles.

The X-37B has a lifting body-style and landing profile that is similar to the Space Shuttle, but the vehicle is one-fourth the size. The X-37B design combines the best of aircraft and spacecraft into an affordable system that is easy to operate and maintain.

The on-orbit duration of the X-37B will vary based on flight requirements but has the ability to perform flights lasting up to 270 days."

In 2019 the record in space orbit has grown to over 700 days...

The X-40 A was a smaller model for re-entry experiments of Boing, still painted with the of NASA and US-Air Force, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_X-40#/media/File:Boeing_X-40A-NASA.jpg

Secure World Foundation Fact sheet on the Boing X-37b and its uses/abilities/limitations, see URL: https://swfound.org/media/205879/swf_x-37b_otv_fact_sheet.pdf

Boing-image video on the X-37b, see URL:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-7VNf7DCY8

What the Space shuttle drone Boing X-37b can and what it cannot do (my summary/view):

- can orbit in low orbits,

- can change its position,

- can stay in orbit long (more than 780 days or two years),

- can stay hidden for long,

- can observe earth and make photos over strategic positions for military purposes (fly over),

- can bring and take small devices into/from orbit),

- can be used as platform for experiments (which can be brought in the loading space or outside e.g. the heat shield),

- cannot be tracked easily,

- cannot be shot down,

Possible benefits for civic societies and benefits for research:

- as the old manned space shuttle it could serve as platform for research, mostly experiments in its cargo booth,

- in can however orbit much longer since it is a drone...

Tax payers/scientists demand:

Since the US taxpayer is investing millions of US$ into the development of the Boing X-37b space shuttle drone a civil NASA version should be utilized for the benefit of all...

A similar demand is voiced from the scientists view: a civil NASA space shuttle drone must be utilized for the benefit of mankind...