The Mysterious X-37B

For an orbiting object, the X-37B - a remotely-piloted spacecraft capable of reentry like the space shuttle - recently performed a neat trick - for two weeks, it disappeared.

A NASA reject now in the hands of the Air Force, it is currently in orbit on a long-term shakedown mission. From the description in the article, its new owners are trying to find out just what it can do, which apparently includes the ability to radically alter its orbit.

While its mere existence seems to be prompting worries about the weaponization of space - worries that ignore the fact that China is already well on its way to to developing at a minimum space denial and satellite shootdown technology - the fact that this craft exists at all should be providing a faint ray of hope, that the United States hasn't turned its back on its space infrastructure completely.

The reconnaissance possibilities of the X-37B alone are fantastic. The chief drawback to recon satellites is their predictability. With the growth of the Internet and the satellite-tracking information it makes, it is now possible for anyone to know when a satellite is due overhead, and hide or camouflage their activities. The X-37B can potentially provide the United States the same ability the retired SR-71 or the soon to be retired U-2 did/does - the ability to look in on the baddies when they're not expecting it.

And there is (supposedly) far more to the X-37B than that, including an impressive cargo-carrying capability.

I'll be watching with interest.

Memorial Day

In the midst of the barbeques, reunions, and other fun events of a rare day off, take a moment to remember those who gave "the last full measure of devotion."

Be glad that they lived, and served.

Most of all, remember.

On the afternoon of July 2, 1863 Sickles' Third Corps, having advanced from this line to the Emmitsburg Road, eight companies of the First Minnesota Regiment, numbering 262 men were sent to this place to support a battery upon Sickles repulse.

As his men were passing here in confused retreat, two Confederate brigades in pursuit were crossing the swale. To gain time to bring up the reserves & save this position, Gen Hancock in person ordered the eight companies to charge the rapidly advancing enemy.

The order was instantly repeated by Col Wm Colvill. And the charge as instantly made down the slope at full speed through the concentrated fire of the two brigades breaking with the bayonet the enemy's front line as it was crossing the small brook in the low ground there the remnant of the eight companies, nearly surrounded by the enemy held its entire force at bay for a considerable time & till it retired on the approach of the reserve the charge successfully accomplished its object. It saved this position & probably the battlefield. The loss of the eight companies in the charge was 215 killed & wounded. More than 83% percent. 47 men were still in line & no man missing. In self sacrificing desperate valor this charge has no parallel in any war. Among the severely wounded were Col Wm Colvill, Lt Col Chas P Adams & Maj Mark W. Downie. Among the killed Capt Joseph Periam, Capt Louis Muller & Lt Waldo Farrar. The next day the regiment participated in repelling Pickett's charge losing 17 more men killed & wounded.

Memorial to the First Minnesota, at Gettysburg