SPACE INTRIGUE – AT 8:22 A.M. ET:  Let the speculation begin.  From London's Daily Mail:

A top secret space plane developed by the US military has blasted off from Cape Canaveral on its maiden voyage.

Billed as a small shuttle, the unmanned X-37B heralds the next generation of space exploration. It will be the first craft to carry out an autonomous re-entry in the history of the US programme.
But its mission - and its cost - remain shrouded in secrecy. The Air Force said the launch was a success but would give no further details.

However, experts have said the spacecraft was intended to speed up development of combat-support systems and weapons systems.

COMMENT:  I'm surprised the Obama crowd didn't get to cut this one.  There has been the usual whining from the usual suspects that this vehicle could contribute to the weaponization of space, as if our enemies aren't working on it. 

April 23, 2010