The X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV) is about 29 feet long, roughly the size of a small bus and runs on solar power. 

What is the top-secret 'X-37B space plane' that Boeing is building?

SpaceX's Falcon Heavy, the highly secretive rocket, blasted into space carrying the US military's clandestine X-37B drone to a research mission.&nbsp;

The eagerly anticipated lift-off happened after weeks of delays. It unfolded at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 8:07 pm Eastern Time (0107 GMT Friday). A real-time live stream of the launch was shared on SpaceX's website.

<h2>Where is the spacecraft headed?</h2>

A veil of secrecy surrounds the uncrewed and autonomously functioning X-37B spacecraft, and it is unknown where exactly it is headed on its seventh mission.

The Pentagon has shared minimal insights into the spacecraft and its latest endeavours. Initially, it was scheduled for launch on December 7.&nbsp;

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In&nbsp;its statement, SpaceX only referred to it by the Pentagon's mission code name — USSF-52, and said "Falcon Heavy launched the USSF-52 mission to orbit from Launch Complex 39A."

<h2>What do we know about the heavily secret mission?</h2>

While the Pentagon remains tight-lipped about the specifics, it did disclose that the X-37B's seventh mission involves "multiple cutting-edge experiments."&nbsp;

Last month, the US Department of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office in a statement said: "These tests include operating the reusable spaceplane in new orbital regimes, experimenting with future space domain awareness technologies, and investigating the radiation effects on materials provided by NASA."

Significantly, this marks the first time the X-37B has hitched a ride on the Falcon Heavy, renowned as one of the most powerful operational rockets, capable of ferrying payloads up to 26,700 kilogrammes (around 58,900 pounds) into the depths of space.

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As per AFP, the X-37B US space drone resembles a downsized version of the now-retired manned space shuttles and has dimensions akin to a small bus. With a length of 30 feet (nine meters) and a wingspan of 15 feet (4.57 m), it harnesses solar panels for propulsion. Previous missions of the X-37B have involved conducting tests for NASA, including an exploration of the impact of radiation on seeds and other materials.

The Falcon Heavy's launch comes just two weeks after China deployed its enigmatic robotic space plane, Shenlong on December 14.&nbsp;

According to China's state news agency, Xinhua, "During this period, reusable technology verification and space science experiments will be carried out as planned to provide technical support for the peaceful use of space."

(With inputs from agencies)

SpaceX's Falcon Heavy, the highly secretive rocket, blasted into space carrying the US military's clandestine X-37B drone to a research mission. The eagerly anticipated lift-off happened after weeks of delays.

SpaceX's Falcon Heavy, the highly secretive rocket, blasted into space carrying the US military's clandestine X-37B drone to a research mission. The eagerly anticipated lift-off happened after weeks of delays. It unfolded at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 8:07 pm Eastern Time (0107 GMT Friday). A real-time live stream of the launch was shared on SpaceX's website. Where is the spacecraft headed? A veil of secrecy surrounds the uncrewed and autonomously functioning X-37B spacecraft, and it is unknown where exactly it is headed on its seventh mission. The Pentagon has shared minimal insights into the spacecraft and its latest endeavours. Initially, it was scheduled for launch on December 7. Also read | Rewind 2023: Moments this year that seemed straight out of science fiction In its statement, SpaceX only referred to it by the Pentagon's mission code name — USSF-52, and said "Falcon Heavy launched the USSF-52 mission to orbit from Launch Complex 39A." What do we know about the heavily secret mission? While the Pentagon remains tight-lipped about the specifics, it did disclose that the X-37B's seventh mission involves "multiple cutting-edge experiments." Last month, the US Department of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office in a statement said: "These tests include operating the reusable spaceplane in new orbital regimes, experimenting with future space domain awareness technologies, and investigating the radiation effects on materials provided by NASA." Significantly, this marks the first time the X-37B has hitched a ride on the Falcon Heavy, renowned as one of the most powerful operational rockets, capable of ferrying payloads up to 26,700 kilogrammes (around 58,900 pounds) into the depths of space. Also read | ISRO’s New Year’s gift: XPoSat will lift-off on January 1, will study black holes As per AFP, the X-37B US space drone resembles a downsized version of the now-retired manned space shuttles and has dimensions akin to a small bus. With a length of 30 feet (nine meters) and a wingspan of 15 feet (4.57 m), it harnesses solar panels for propulsion. Previous missions of the X-37B have involved conducting tests for NASA, including an exploration of the impact of radiation on seeds and other materials. The Falcon Heavy's launch comes just two weeks after China deployed its enigmatic robotic space plane, Shenlong on December 14. According to China's state news agency, Xinhua, "During this period, reusable technology verification and space science experiments will be carried out as planned to provide technical support for the peaceful use of space." (With inputs from agencies)

SpaceX's Falcon Heavy spacecraft takes off with highly secretive US military drone

SpaceX has scheduled the launch date for the secret United States military's X-37B robotic space plane on its seventh orbital mission. The launch is set for December 28, as announced by SpaceX on Friday (Dec 15). The Falcon Heavy rocket will carry the X-37B, designated USSF-52, from Florida. The initial launch plan on a Sunday (Dec 17) was canceled due to adverse weather conditions at Cape Canaveral.

The X-37B, an unmanned space test platform for the US Air Force, specialises in conducting experiments and testing diverse technologies in space. The nature of the experiments remains classified, sparking speculation about potential military applications. This mission marks the seventh for the X-37B, and it will be the first time it launches atop a Falcon Heavy, known for its reusability.

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Similar to the Space Shuttle concept, the X-37B can autonomously return to Earth after completing a mission, enabling preparations for subsequent launches. The compact design, roughly the size of a small bus, allows for easy maneuverability and accommodates various payloads for experimentation.

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The X-37B's reusability and long-duration orbital flights have been key features since its first mission in 2010. The latest mission, undisclosed in terms of altitude by the Pentagon, will involve testing new orbital regimes and experimenting with future space domain awareness technologies, according to a statement from the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, media reports said.

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The X-37B will also carry a NASA experiment to study the effects of long-term radiation exposure on plant seeds in space.

While the duration of the spaceplane's mission has not been disclosed by the military, it is expected to follow the trend of successively longer flights, potentially remaining in orbit until June 2026 or later.

(With inputs from agencies)

SpaceX has scheduled the launch date for the secret United States military's X-37B robotic space plane on its seventh orbital mission. The launch is set for December 28, as announced by SpaceX on Friday (Dec 15).

SpaceX has scheduled the launch date for the secret United States military's X-37B robotic space plane on its seventh orbital mission. The launch is set for December 28, as announced by SpaceX on Friday (Dec 15). The Falcon Heavy rocket will carry the X-37B, designated USSF-52, from Florida. The initial launch plan on a Sunday (Dec 17) was canceled due to adverse weather conditions at Cape Canaveral. The X-37B, an unmanned space test platform for the US Air Force, specialises in conducting experiments and testing diverse technologies in space. The nature of the experiments remains classified, sparking speculation about potential military applications. This mission marks the seventh for the X-37B, and it will be the first time it launches atop a Falcon Heavy, known for its reusability. Also Read | NASA releases footage of tomatoes lost in space for eight months Similar to the Space Shuttle concept, the X-37B can autonomously return to Earth after completing a mission, enabling preparations for subsequent launches. The compact design, roughly the size of a small bus, allows for easy maneuverability and accommodates various payloads for experimentation. Also Read | Scientists try to get molecules from extinct humans to discover new antibiotics The X-37B's reusability and long-duration orbital flights have been key features since its first mission in 2010. The latest mission, undisclosed in terms of altitude by the Pentagon, will involve testing new orbital regimes and experimenting with future space domain awareness technologies, according to a statement from the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, media reports said. Watch | Will Joe Biden be impeached? | The big allegations against the U.S. President × The X-37B will also carry a NASA experiment to study the effects of long-term radiation exposure on plant seeds in space. While the duration of the spaceplane's mission has not been disclosed by the military, it is expected to follow the trend of successively longer flights, potentially remaining in orbit until June 2026 or later. (With inputs from agencies)

After delay, SpaceX locks launch date for US military's X-37B secret plane

US military's X-37B robotic space plane is set to create a new record of staying aloft for 780 days. The reusable spaceplane has currently completed 773 days. According to the US Air Force, it is a premier reusable and unmanned spacecraft which allows scientists to recover experiments in space.

It had landed at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center three years ago. The US Air Force has said that the spacecraft "performs risk reduction, experimentation and concept of operations development for reusable space vehicle technologies".

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The last time it flew the X-37B completed Air Force research laboratory experiments and helped to take small satellites.

Watch: Why is this rocket launch by NASA historical?

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The unique spacecraft tests new systems in space as the US seeks to maintain space superiority. It also conducts experiments for America’s future space exploration.

The &nbsp;X-37B's mission 4 had stayed in orbit for 718 days. The latest mission was launched into orbit on May 17, 2020. Reports claim one of the experiments of the current mission includes investigating transforming solar power into radio frequency microwave energy and the deployment of FalconSat-8 which is said to be a small satellite.

The X-37B will also study seeds which are used to grow food in a space environment. The exact date of the mission to land on Earth is still unknown with many experiments which are to be undertaken still classified.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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US military's X-37B robotic space plane is set to create a new record of staying aloft for 780 days. The reusable spaceplane has currently completed 773 days. According to the US Air Force, it is a premier reusable and unmanned spacecraft which allows scientists to recover experiments in space.

US military's X-37B robotic space plane is set to create a new record of staying aloft for 780 days. The reusable spaceplane has currently completed 773 days. According to the US Air Force, it is a premier reusable and unmanned spacecraft which allows scientists to recover experiments in space. It had landed at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center three years ago. The US Air Force has said that the spacecraft "performs risk reduction, experimentation and concept of operations development for reusable space vehicle technologies". Also Read | Ancient alien life is likely buried deep under Mars’ surface: NASA study The last time it flew the X-37B completed Air Force research laboratory experiments and helped to take small satellites. Watch: Why is this rocket launch by NASA historical? The unique spacecraft tests new systems in space as the US seeks to maintain space superiority. It also conducts experiments for America’s future space exploration. The X-37B's mission 4 had stayed in orbit for 718 days. The latest mission was launched into orbit on May 17, 2020. Reports claim one of the experiments of the current mission includes investigating transforming solar power into radio frequency microwave energy and the deployment of FalconSat-8 which is said to be a small satellite. The X-37B will also study seeds which are used to grow food in a space environment. The exact date of the mission to land on Earth is still unknown with many experiments which are to be undertaken still classified. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Mysterious US X-37B space plane eyes orbital record

The US military&#39;s experimental X-37B space plane landed on Sunday at NASA&rsquo;s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, completing a classified mission that lasted nearly two years, the Air Force said.

The unmanned X-37B, which resembles a miniature space shuttle, touched down at 7:47 a.m. EDT (1147 GMT) on a runway formerly used for landings of the now-mothballed space shuttles, the Air Force said in an email.

The Boeing-built space plane blasted off in May 2015 from nearby Cape Canaveral Air Force Station aboard an Atlas 5 rocket built by United Launch Alliance, a partnership between Lockheed Martin Corp and Boeing Co.&nbsp;

The X-37B, one of two in the Air Force fleet, conducted unspecified experiments for more than 700 days while in orbit.

It was the fourth and lengthiest mission so far for the secretive program, managed by the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office.

The orbiters &quot;perform risk reduction, experimentation and concept-of-operations development for reusable space vehicle technologies,&quot; the Air Force has said without providing details. The cost of the program is also classified.

The Secure World Foundation, a nonprofit group promoting the peaceful exploration of space, says the secrecy surrounding the X-37B suggests the presence of intelligence-related hardware being tested or evaluated aboard the craft.

The vehicles are 29 feet (9 meters) long and have a wingspan of 15 feet, making them about one quarter of the size of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration&rsquo;s now-retired space shuttles.

The X-37B, also known as Orbital Test Vehicle, or OTV, first flew in April 2010 and returned after eight months. A second mission launched in March 2011 and lasted 15 months, while a third took flight in December 2012 and returned after 22 months.

Sunday&rsquo;s landing was the X-37B&#39;s first in Florida. The three previous landings took place at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.

The Air Force relocated the program in 2014, taking over two of NASA&rsquo;s former shuttle-processing hangars.

The Air Force intends to launch the fifth X-37B mission from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, located just south of the Kennedy Space Center, later this year.&nbsp;

(Reuters)

The X-37B, one of two in the Air Force fleet, conducted unspecified experiments for more than 700 days while in orbit.

The US military's experimental X-37B space plane landed on Sunday at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, completing a classified mission that lasted nearly two years, the Air Force said. The unmanned X-37B, which resembles a miniature space shuttle, touched down at 7:47 a.m. EDT (1147 GMT) on a runway formerly used for landings of the now-mothballed space shuttles, the Air Force said in an email. The Boeing-built space plane blasted off in May 2015 from nearby Cape Canaveral Air Force Station aboard an Atlas 5 rocket built by United Launch Alliance, a partnership between Lockheed Martin Corp and Boeing Co. The X-37B, one of two in the Air Force fleet, conducted unspecified experiments for more than 700 days while in orbit. It was the fourth and lengthiest mission so far for the secretive program, managed by the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office. The orbiters "perform risk reduction, experimentation and concept-of-operations development for reusable space vehicle technologies," the Air Force has said without providing details. The cost of the program is also classified. The Secure World Foundation, a nonprofit group promoting the peaceful exploration of space, says the secrecy surrounding the X-37B suggests the presence of intelligence-related hardware being tested or evaluated aboard the craft. The vehicles are 29 feet (9 meters) long and have a wingspan of 15 feet, making them about one quarter of the size of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s now-retired space shuttles. The X-37B, also known as Orbital Test Vehicle, or OTV, first flew in April 2010 and returned after eight months. A second mission launched in March 2011 and lasted 15 months, while a third took flight in December 2012 and returned after 22 months. Sunday’s landing was the X-37B's first in Florida. The three previous landings took place at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The Air Force relocated the program in 2014, taking over two of NASA’s former shuttle-processing hangars. The Air Force intends to launch the fifth X-37B mission from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, located just south of the Kennedy Space Center, later this year. (Reuters)

Unmanned US Air Force space plane lands after secret mission

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What is the top-secret 'X-37B space plane' that Boeing is building?

SpaceX's Falcon Heavy spacecraft takes off with highly secretive US military drone

After delay, SpaceX locks launch date for US military's X-37B secret plane

Mysterious US X-37B space plane eyes orbital record

Unmanned US Air Force space plane lands after secret mission