The US military’s X-37B space plane recently embarked on its seventh secretive mission, aiming to further its exploration in space. The reusable plane, which resembles a mini space shuttle, took off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center aboard SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket. This mission, like its predecessors, is expected to last at least a couple of years.
Unlike traditional manned space missions, the X-37B operates without any crew on board. Instead, it carries classified experiments and serves as an orbital test vehicle. Developed by Boeing, the X-37B is approximately one-fourth the size of NASA’s retired space shuttles, measuring 29 feet (9 meters) in length. Its compact design allows it to be launched vertically like a rocket and land horizontally like a plane.
The X-37B has already made significant contributions to space exploration since its debut in 2010. With over 10 years of experience in orbit, this space plane has proven its capabilities time and time again. Its previous mission, which lasted an impressive 2 1/2 years, concluded with a successful landing on a runway at Kennedy Space Center just a year ago.
While the exact details of this mission remain shrouded in secrecy, we do know that a NASA experiment is on board. This experiment aims to study the effects of radiation on various materials in space. The X-37B’s ability to stay in orbit for extended periods makes it an ideal platform for conducting such experiments.
One of the unique aspects of the X-37B is its autonomous landing system. With no need for astronauts, this space plane can safely land on its own. Its landing mechanism allows for a horizontal touchdown, similar to that of an airplane. This innovative design not only simplifies the mission logistics but also enhances the reusability of the X-37B.
The X-37B is designed to orbit at altitudes ranging from 150 miles to 500 miles (240 kilometers to 800 kilometers) above the Earth’s surface. This range enables it to conduct a wide range of experiments and gather valuable data. Currently, two X-37Bs are based in a former shuttle hangar at Kennedy Space Center, ready to launch whenever the need arises.
Although the US Space Force officials have not disclosed the exact duration of this mission, it is expected to surpass the previous record of 2 1/2 years. The X-37B’s extended time in orbit allows for long-term experimentation and data collection, paving the way for future advancements in space exploration.
As the X-37B embarks on another secretive mission, it continues to push the boundaries of space exploration. Its compact size, autonomous capabilities, and prolonged time in orbit make it a valuable asset for conducting experiments and gathering crucial information. While the specifics of this mission may remain undisclosed, the X-37B’s contributions to scientific research and technological development are undeniable.
Source: The Manila Times
