US Department of the Air Force-Boeing X-37B Team Wins Collier Trophy for Aerospace Excellence

Rhea-AI Summary

The U.S. Department of the Air Force and Boeing's X-37B spaceplane have been awarded the prestigious Robert J. Collier Trophy for 2019, recognizing their remarkable achievements in aeronautics and astronautics. The X-37B achieved a record-breaking 780-day on-orbit endurance, significantly enhancing reusable spaceplane technologies. Managed by the U.S. Department of the Air Force and designed by Boeing, the X-37B has logged over 2,865 days in orbit and traveled more than 1 billion miles. This marks Boeing's 33rd Collier Trophy, highlighting its impact on future aerospace development.

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• Award of the Robert J. Collier Trophy highlights Boeing's achievements in aerospace.
• X-37B set a new endurance record of 780 days on orbit.
• Over 2,865 total days logged in orbit signifies advanced technology and reliability.
• Recognition of Boeing's contributions to reusable spaceplane technologies.

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• None.

ARLINGTON, Va., Aug. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Department of the Air Force and Boeing [NYSE: BA] X-37B autonomous spaceplane is receiving the prestigious Robert J. Collier Trophy for the greatest American achievements in aeronautics and astronautics of 2019. The X-37B set a new 780-day on-orbit endurance record and completed an overflight of the United States, using Federal Aviation Administration airspace, before making a pinpoint landing at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.

The National Aeronautic Association is awarding the 2019 Collier to the X-37B for advancing the performance, efficiency and safety of air and space vehicles.

Designed and built by Boeing, operated in partnership with the U.S. Space Force, and managed by the U.S. Department of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, the X-37B is a reliable, reusable, uncrewed space test platform designed to carry experiments to orbit and return them to Earth for evaluation.  

"Underscoring the importance of space to the nation, the Collier Trophy celebrates the record-setting mission of the X-37B," said Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett. "Most Americans use space daily for navigation, information, and communication. Sophisticated and uncrewed, the X-37B advances reusable spaceplane technologies and operates experiments in space that are returned for further examination on Earth."

In addition, Boeing facilitates the integration of experiments into the X-37B system and helps identify future reusable-platform experiment opportunities for each mission. X-37B is the 33rd Boeing effort to receive a Collier.

"We are truly honored that the women and men of the X-37B team are being recognized with the Collier Trophy," said Boeing Defense, Space & Security President and CEO Leanne Caret. "Not only have they earned a place among our industry's legends through their commitment to innovation and performance, but their accomplishments will influence the next generation of space and aerospace development for the benefit of all humanity."

In 2019, the spaceplane broke its own on-orbit endurance record of 718 days. The program has logged more than 2,865 days and travelled more than 1 billion miles on-orbit in total. Originally designed for missions of 270 days, the X-37B has set endurance records during each of its five previous flights. Its first mission launched in 2010.

This is the ninth Collier Trophy shared by the U.S Department of the Air Force and its forerunners, and Boeing and its legacy companies. Prior shared wins include iconic air and space achievements like the B-52, X-15, Global Positioning System and the C-17 Globemaster III.

First awarded in 1911, the trophy's past recipients include Orville Wright; the Apollo 11 lunar landing team; the International Space Station, built by Boeing for NASA; the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, built by Boeing for the U.S. Navy; and the Boeing 787, 777 and 747 commercial airplanes.

For more information on Boeing Defense, Space & Security, visit www.boeing.com. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense and @BoeingSpace.

Contact:

Kelly Kaplan
Defense, Space & Security  
Mobile: +1 832-284-2188
kelly.g.kaplan@boeing.com

 

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SOURCE Boeing

FAQ

What is the X-37B and why did it win the Collier Trophy?

The X-37B is an autonomous spaceplane designed by Boeing, awarded the Collier Trophy for its record-breaking 780-day on-orbit endurance and advancements in aerospace technology.

When was the Collier Trophy awarded to Boeing's X-37B?

The Collier Trophy was awarded on August 13, 2020, for achievements in 2019.

What is the significance of the 780-day on-orbit endurance record set by the X-37B?

The 780-day record showcases the X-37B's reliability and capability, contributing to advancements in reusable spaceplane technologies.

How many days has the X-37B logged in total on orbit?

The X-37B has logged over 2,865 days on orbit, demonstrating its long-term operational capabilities.

What does the Collier Trophy recognize?

The Collier Trophy recognizes significant achievements in aeronautics and astronautics, awarded for innovation and excellence in aerospace.