Since 
its return to Earth earlier this month, engineers have been pouring over the Air Force’s X-37B orbital test vehicle (OTV-1) to glean lessons for the maiden launch of the second X-37 (OTV-2) next spring. “We’ve got to examine this vehicle that just landed and see if there’s anything in there that would [tell us] we’re not ready to go launch yet,” stated Richard McKinney, USAF’s deputy under secretary for space programs, reports Spaceflight Now. Inspection of OTV-1 has revealed several areas of damage by space debris. One of the vehicle’s tires also ruptured during its Dec. 3 landing at Vandenberg AFB, Calif. Boeing is preparing to ship OTV-2 to Cape Canaveral, Fla., for its mission. Like OTV-1’s time on orbit, OTV-2’s flight will focus on evaluating the vehicle itself as opposed to focusing on payloads. (See SAF/PA report by TSgt. Amaani Lyle) (See also FlightGlobal report)
Air Force Changes Rules for Pregnant Aircrew—Again
April 3, 2025
The Air Force is changing its policy for pregnant aircrew, generally reverting to rules set in 2019 that barred female aviators from flying during the first trimester—or from flying in aircraft with ejection seats at all—due to potential risks to the pilot and her unborn fetus.