Top-secret space shuttle
Boeing drop tests X-40A vehicle
Boeing creates the X-40A Space Maneuver Vehicle to 85 per cent scale and it is successfully drop tested, pleasing the US Air Force.
NASA plans experimental space plane
NASA says it wants to build two vehicles, an Orbital Vehicle and an Approach and Landing Test Vehicle, as a test bed for new reusable rocket technologies.
Test vehicle is delivered to NASA
With a $173 million (£135 million) deal struck between NASA and Boeing, the X-37 project gets underway, based upon the earlier X-40A.
Test flights are successful
Boeing announces its fifth straight flight of the X-40A Space Maneuver Vehicle, dropping it from a Chinook at 4,572 metres (15,000 feet).
Boeing asked to complete X-37 development
NASA is impressed and awards Boeing the contract to continue development of the X-37 Approach and Landing Test Vehicle with a view to conduct atmospheric flight tests.
Project transferred to DARPA
NASA transfers the X-37 technology demonstration program to the Pentagon’s DARPA. NASA says it will remain involved.