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 robot spaceplane on its seventh mission using a powerful SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, fueling speculation it may be headed for deep orbit, mirroring a similar program by China.
Rocket Lab secured a $515 million contract to provide 18 satellite "space vehicles" for an unnamed U.S. government agency, likely the Space Development Agency (SDA).
Alphabet's drone delivery arm, Wing, expanded its services in the Dallas-Fort Worth area by adding a second Walmart Supercenter, allowing it to serve 60,000 people.
The article predicts 2024 will be a significant year for American-made drones, boosted by new regulations and bans on foreign technology, and for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) services, with anticipated eVTOL sales and regulatory progress.
Hello, and welcome to the Future of FLYING newsletter, our weekly look at the biggest stories in emerging aviation technology. From low-altitude drones to high-flying rockets at the edge of the atmosphere, we’ll take you on a tour of the modern flying world to help you make sense of it all.
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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.
