Recent x37b launch possibly for N.K.

While the test used an Atlas V rocket for deployment the X37b would be the perfect method of delivery of the EKV. The X37b went back up on the latest spacex launch right around the time shit started hitting the fan with NK.

What better way to stress test the vehicle than to do it after 2 years versus right when it's deployed? 2 years of radiation, space dust bombardment etc and THEN do the test to make sure it still works.

Estimated X37b payload capacity = 500lbs
Raytheon EKV = 120 - 140 lbs

3 to 4 EKVs on a highly maneuverable platform, to disable multiple warheads during the easiest time to do so, prior to atmospheric reentry. Response time drastically cut down. Much safer instead of trying to deal with a PR disaster of launching tactical nuclear warheads if something fucked up (and violates 1967 treaty) or dealing with the additional fuel for traditional booster-based disarmament methods, also missiles in space are a terrible idea. Kinetic and laser are the ways to go.
it just makes sense.
Below is the white paper for what the OTV-5 mission is supposed to be about. Don't know why it couldn't be tested on a cheaper platform instead of the Air Force's most advanced and weapons capable space plane in service.
An excerpt:
"Microgravity influence on fluid flow, especially two-phase flow, is significantly different than in a terrestrial environment. This is true for steady-state operations, but is more important for transient operation. In
addition, the combined effects of the space environment (e.g. thermal Cutaway of an oscillating heat pipe (OHP) showing its microchannel pattern cycling, high vacuum, charging, vibration) are required to verify the performance of the system on orbit for long duration"
That's all fine and dandy, but it could have still been launched on anything other than the X37B. The official manifest shows "several smaller satellites" on board. Probably an EKV or two. The oscillating heat pipe wouldn't take up much space anyway.

Something else of interest, United Launch Alliance's Atlas V rocket (used in all prior X37B launches) uses Russian designed and manufactured RD-180 engines, while the Merlin engines on the Falcon 9 are completely in house developed....a move that NASA and the Pentagon has been dumping money into in order to wean themselves off of Russian help for putting things into orbit and beyond.
It doesn't even sound like something the Pentagon would blow money on. $62,000,000 to launch this? Nah buddy you're smoking something strong if you expect me to believe that. It's going to spend another 2 years going round and round waiting for some shit to pop off.

http://www.kirtland.af.mil/Portals/52/Advanced%20Structurally%20Embedded%20Thermal%20Spreader%20II.pdf

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2017/05/31/watch-the-exact-moment-a-kill-vehicle-takes-out-a-mock-ballistic-missile/?utm_term=.d26d4e865352

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>>62453003
Interesting post op