The US military recently made history as its secretive X-37B robotic spaceplane took off from Florida on its seventh enigmatic mission. (Photo: Al Jareeza)
Robotic Spacecraft Launches from Florida on SpaceX Falcon Heavy Rocket, Marking Unprecedented Milestone
The US military recently made history as its secretive X-37B robotic spaceplane took off from Florida on its seventh enigmatic mission. This groundbreaking launch, facilitated by a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, stands as a pivotal moment in space exploration. The mission is notable for being the first instance of the X-37B being launched on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, capable of delivering it into a higher orbit than ever before.
This extraordinary feat follows closely behind China’s launch of its robot spaceplane, the Shenlong, adding a new dimension to the space rivalry between the two countries. The Pentagon has maintained a veil of secrecy around the X-37B mission, which is expected to span several years and is under the auspices of the US Space Force’s National Security Space Launch program.
Measuring about nine meters in length and bearing a resemblance to a mini space shuttle, the Boeing-built X-37B is unmanned and carries out various experiments. While specifics about the mission’s altitude remain undisclosed, it is anticipated to involve tests of new orbital regimes and future space domain awareness technologies. Notably, the spaceplane is also experimenting to study the effects of prolonged radiation exposure on plant seeds in space.
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Meanwhile, Space Force General B Chance Saltzman has expressed that the closely timed Chinese Shenlong launch and the X-37B mission are likely not a coincidence, highlighting the intense interest and competition between the two countries in this domain. With the mission’s expected duration also shrouded in secrecy, continued success in extending flight durations indicates a pattern that suggests a lasting impact to at least June 2026.
As the X-37B’s legacy continues to grow, its influence in shaping the future of space exploration cannot be understated.
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