OTV-4: X-37B's Fourth Flight
The mission poster for the fourth X-37B space plane launch by the U.S. Air Force and United Launch Alliance. The X-37B is also known as the Orbital Test Vehicle, hence the mission's OTV-4 designation. This flight is called the AFSCP-5 flight for Air Force Space Command 5.
X-37B in Rocket Nose Cone
When readied for launch, the X-37B space plane is packed upright inside a rocket payload fairing (the nose cone) as shown in this image from the first X-37B launch (OTV-1) in 2010.
X-37B Space Plane 4th Launch
The Air Force's robotic X-37B space plane launched aboard an Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on May 20, 2015.
X-37B Space Plane 4th Launch #2
The Air Force's robotic X-37B space plane launched aboard an Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on May 20, 2015.
X-37B Space Plane 4th Launch #3
The Air Force's robotic X-37B space plane launched aboard an Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on May 20, 2015.
X-37B Space Plane Rollout 1
At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, an Atlas V rocket carrying the Air Force's X-37B space plane rolls out to the launch pad on May 19, 2015. Launch of the AFSPC-5 mission is scheduled for May 20.
X-37B Space Plane Rollout 2
At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, an Atlas V rocket carrying the Air Force's X-37B space plane rolls out to the launch pad on May 19, 2015. Launch of the AFSPC-5 mission is scheduled for May 20.
X-37B Space Plane Rollout 3
At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, an Atlas V rocket carrying the Air Force's X-37B space plane rolls out to the launch pad on May 19, 2015. Launch of the AFSPC-5 mission is scheduled for May 20.
X-37B Space Plane Rollout 4
At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, an Atlas V rocket carrying the Air Force's X-37B space plane rolls out to the launch pad on May 19, 2015. Launch of the AFSPC-5 mission is scheduled for May 20.
AFSPC-5 Payload Encapsulation Raising Up
The Air Force's AFSPC-5 payload inside a 5-meter diameter payload fairing undergoes mating to an Atlas V booster inside the Vertical Integration Facility at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Space in Florida. Launch is set for May 20, 2015.
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