To SDCers, :Re: The X-37B orbital mission in 2008

1. It is on an Atlas 501
2. the 2008 manifest has issues
3. X-37B is not a precursor to an USAF RLV. The USAF doesn't need a
2nd generation shuttle for orbital supply, satellite rendezvous and
inspection, reconnaissance,
a. orbital supply can be done by expendable vehicles ala Orbital
Express
b,satellite rendezvous and inspection can be done by an unmanned
vehicle and expendable. RLV provides no benefits
c. reconnaissance is being done by better vehicles. RLV provides no
benefit

4. It will be enclosed in a fairing
5. There is no comparison between X-37 and Orion and even alt
space. X-37 is not applicable to VSE. The USAF is just exploring
options like CAV etc
.

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