US Military’s Secretive Space Plane Embarks on Extended Mission

In an era where space exploration has become increasingly dynamic and diverse, the U.S. military has once again captivated the world with the launch of its secretive X-37B space plane. On Thursday, the enigmatic vehicle embarked on yet another covert mission, expected to extend for at least a couple of years.

Resembling a diminutive space shuttle, the X-37B soared into the cosmos atop SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, finally overcoming technical delays that had postponed its departure by over two weeks.

This mission marks the seventh flight for the X-37B, a reusable spacecraft that has been shrouded in mystery since its debut in 2010. Throughout its operational history, it has predominantly carried classified experiments, all while navigating the cosmos without a single human on board.

The previous mission, which endured for an unprecedented 2 1/2 years, culminated in a triumphant landing on a Kennedy Space Center runway just a year ago.

Space Force officials have remained characteristically tight-lipped about the specifics of this mission, refusing to disclose the duration of the orbital test or the nature of its classified cargo, save for a NASA experiment designed to assess the impact of radiation on materials.

Constructed by Boeing, the X-37B bears a striking resemblance to NASA’s retired space shuttles but is a fraction of their size, measuring in at a mere 29 feet (9 meters) in length. Notably, the absence of astronauts is a defining feature, as the X-37B is equipped with an autonomous landing system, enabling it to function independently.

Unlike traditional space shuttles, these enigmatic planes take off vertically like rockets and land horizontally like conventional aircraft. Their operational orbit ranges between 150 to 500 miles (240 to 800 kilometers) above the Earth’s surface, offering a versatile platform for a variety of undisclosed activities.

Currently housed in a refurbished shuttle hangar at Kennedy Space Center, the X-37B represents a fascinating intersection of advanced technology and classified operations, serving as a testament to the nation’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of space exploration and national security.

As the X-37B embarks on its latest odyssey, the world can only speculate about the clandestine activities unfolding within the cosmos, reminding us of the enduring enigma that surrounds this remarkable feat of engineering and innovation.

Read more about this story: https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/us-militarys-secretive-spaceplane-launched-possible-higher-orbit-mission-2023-12-29/

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