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 launched its secretive X-37B spaceplane for its seventh mission (USSF-52/OTV-7) using a powerful SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, enabling it to potentially reach deeper orbits, possibly near the moon, than any prior mission.
The X-37B's specific purpose, payload, and destination are largely unknown, though officially it aims to test operations in new orbital regimes, explore radiation effects on NASA payloads, and advance future space domain awareness technology.
This launch underscores a growing "space race" dynamic, as China recently launched its own similar, secretive Shenlong spaceplane, with both nations closely monitoring each other's advancements in this technology.
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.
