The US military’s puzzling space plane X-37B mission has again taken flight, embarking on its seventh mysterious mission that is expected to go on for at least two years. This reusable mini-shuttle, covered in secrecy, carries classified experiments on its orbital journey, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and fueling speculation about its true purpose.
Blast-off After Delays in X-37B Mission
After encountering technical difficulties that pushed back the launch by over two weeks, the X-37B finally took off into the night sky on Thursday evening. The mighty Falcon Heavy rocket, provided by SpaceX, promoted the US military’s space plane on its journey from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This marks the seventh launch of the X-37B mission, a testament to its robust design and adaptability since its debut in 2010.
A History of Staying In The Air
The previous mission, the longest yet, spanned a staggering two and a half years before the plane’s graceful touchdown at Kennedy in November 2023. This latest space adventure promises a similar extended stay in Earth’s orbit, with its payload’s exact duration and specifics remaining under wraps.
Classified Cargo and Collaboration with NASA
While the Space Force, responsible for the X-37B mission, maintains tight control over the information being distributed, they revealed a single piece of the puzzle: a NASA experiment tucked within the plane’s cargo. This experiment aims to assess the impact of radiation on materials, potentially contributing valuable insights for future space exploration and deployment tasks.
Miniaturized Majesty
The X-37B, built by Boeing, strongly resembles its retired predecessor, the space shuttle, but with a significantly smaller stature. Measuring only 29 feet (9 meters) in length, it is roughly one-quarter the size of its iconic ancestor. This compact size, however, doesn’t cause any compromise on functionality. The plane operates autonomously, relying on its advanced landing system for a smooth touchdown upon its return. Unlike the shuttles, the X-37B can launch vertically like a rocket and land horizontally like a plane, flying through the vast expanse at orbital altitudes between 150 and 500 miles (240 and 800 kilometers).
Current Status of X-37B Mission
Two space planes for the X-37B mission currently reside in a former shuttle hangar at Kennedy, ready for their following classified missions. Their hidden nature and extended orbital voyages have provoked the interest of space enthusiasts and experts alike in the US military and NASA’s secret mission, sparking discussions about the program’s true purpose. Some believe it is a testbed for advanced technologies, while others speculate about its potential role in satellite surveillance or space weapon testing.
The Future Adventures
With the latest launch, the X-37B mission continues its mysterious journey, pushing the boundaries of space exploration and leaving a trail of unanswered questions in its way. As the plane circles Earth for years to come, the world waits with bated breath for the day its secrets are revealed, shedding light on the true nature of its missions and its role in shaping the future of space exploration by NASA.
