The X 37 B Orbital Test Vehicle is one of two prototypes designed by NASA in 1999 and manufactured by Boeing. It is owned and operated by the US Air Force. It has a length of 29 feet and a width of 15 feet. It is basically an unmanned remote control smaller version of the space shuttle; about 22% the size of the shuttle. It is much less expensive and is launched in a capsule atop the Atlas V Rocket. The longest mission so far 469 days in earth's orbit. It will also be used to repair US satellites and those of allied nations.