Space: July 4, 2001

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The Air Force has been given until this fall to decide if it will continue as part of the X-37 orbit-and-reentry vehicle program. NASA plans to proceed no matter what the Air Force does, and the Air Force has previously said it expects the X-37 to form the basis of the future Space Maneuvering Vehicle used as a micro-shuttle for quick launch or orbital maintenance missions. NASA has abandoned its X-33 Reusable Launch Vehicle project and the Air Force might take it over.--Stephen V Cole