The U.S. Space Force’s X-37B spaceplane lifts off from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket on December 28, 2023. [Courtesy: U.S. Space Force]
Key Takeaways:
The U.S. Space Force recently launched the seventh mission of its secretive X-37B reusable spaceplane, a Boeing-built orbital test vehicle whose specific purpose and payload are largely unknown.
For the first time, X-37B was launched on a powerful SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, leading to speculation that this mission could reach deeper orbits or even the moon's vicinity, a significant departure from previous lower-altitude flights.
Officially, the mission will test operations in new orbital regimes, explore radiation effects on NASA payloads, and experiment with future space domain awareness technology.
This launch closely followed China's deployment of its own secretive Shenlong spaceplane, prompting observers to note a potential new space race between the two nations.
There’s a mystery unfolding on the outskirts of Earth’s atmosphere.
Last week, the U.S. Space Force launched the seventh mission of the X-37B: a secretive spaceplane or orbital test vehicle (OTV) project intended to prepare the country for the next era of space travel.
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Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.
