SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy, the highly secretive rocket, successfully launched carrying the US military’s clandestine X-37B drone on its seventh mission. The lift-off took place at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 8:07 pm Eastern Time after several weeks of delays. The X-37B spacecraft, shrouded in secrecy, is uncrewed and operates autonomously. The specific destination of its seventh mission remains undisclosed.
Referred to by the Pentagon’s mission code name USSF-52, the X-37B’s latest mission involves “multiple cutting-edge experiments,” according to the US Department of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office. The experiments include operating the reusable spaceplane in new orbital regimes, experimenting with future space domain awareness technologies, and investigating the radiation effects on materials provided by NASA.
This mission is notable as it marks the first time the X-37B has been launched using SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy, known as one of the most powerful operational rockets capable of carrying payloads up to 26,700 kilograms.
The X-37B, resembling a downsized version of the retired manned space shuttles, has dimensions similar to a small bus with a length of 30 feet and a wingspan of 15 feet. It uses solar panels for propulsion. Previous X-37B missions involved conducting tests for NASA, including experiments on the impact of radiation on seeds and other materials.
While China recently deployed its robotic space plane, Shenlong, on December 14, carrying out reusable technology verification and space science experiments, SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy launch demonstrates continued space exploration activities by various countries. The X-37B’s autonomous nature and classified missions add an element of mystery and intrigue to its operations.
Post Your Comments