I guess it depends on whether the DoD wants to open it up to NASA. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_X-37 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_X-37. And to b

I guess it depends on whether the DoD wants to open it up to NASA. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_X-37 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_X-37. And to be fair, NASA did have a hand in its development prior to 2004. I don't think it would make sense to use it to replace the launching payloads and humans role of the shuttle. Since the X-37 needs a DeltaIV to launch it. Easier to just put the payload or a CEV on an expendable launch vehicle (Delta IV, Falcon 9, etc). On the other hand it seems purpose-built for a science experiment platform, and possibly for robotic repair. NASA would do well to buy some for its science directorate. NOAA would also benefit from the chance to test their sensors on-orbit before integrating their big, expensive, weather satellites.