SpaceX has announced the launch date for the United States military’s X-37B robotic space plane on its seventh orbital mission, scheduled for December 28. The launch, using SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket, was initially planned for December 17 but was postponed due to adverse weather conditions at Cape Canaveral. The X-37B, designated USSF-52, serves as an unmanned space test platform for the US Air Force, conducting classified experiments and testing various technologies in space.
This mission is the seventh for the X-37B, and it marks the first time it will launch atop a Falcon Heavy, known for its reusability. The X-37B has a compact design, similar to a small bus, allowing for easy maneuverability and accommodating diverse payloads for experimentation. The spaceplane’s ability to autonomously return to Earth after completing a mission is a key feature, reminiscent of the Space Shuttle concept, facilitating quick turnaround for subsequent launches.
The classified nature of the experiments conducted by the X-37B has sparked speculation about potential military applications. The spaceplane’s reusability and long-duration orbital flights have been notable features since its first mission in 2010. The Pentagon, without disclosing the mission’s
Post Your Comments