On Friday, SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket successfully launched a classified U.S. military spacecraft engaged in cutting-edge research. The rocket, led by Elon Musk’s company, took off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 6:37 AM IST, carrying the unmanned and autonomously operated X-37B space plane.
This launch followed more than two weeks of delays and aborted attempts due to adverse weather conditions and technical issues. The spacecraft had to be rolled back to its hangar before finally taking off on Friday. Reuters suggests that the launch also bears the undertones of the space rivalry between the United States and China, as China’s Shenlong, or “Divine Dragon,” had launched two weeks prior.
The mysterious X-37B
The X-37B, developed by Boeing and shrouded in secrecy by the United States Department of Defense, remains a largely undisclosed spacecraft. Resembling a small bus in size, its design pays homage to the era of the space shuttle. The versatile vehicle is equipped to deploy various payloads and conduct extended orbital flights for technology experiments, with a distinctive feature of returning through the atmosphere and landing on a runway, much like an airplane.
Boeing highlights the X-37B’s advanced avionics technology, which automates all de-orbit and landing functions. Notably, the absence of hydraulics on board sets it apart, as flight controls and brakes are managed through electro-mechanical actuation. Additionally, the spacecraft is constructed from a space-grade composite material, offering a lighter alternative to aluminum.
Test flight gives a taste of something new
The recent launch on Friday marked the X-37B’s inaugural journey aboard the SpaceX Falcon Heavy. Previously, it had been deployed using the SpaceX Falcon 9 and the Atlas V rocket, a product of the United Launch Alliance—a collaboration between Lockheed Martin and Boeing.
CNN suggests that there are indications of the X-37B being designed for more distant orbits, possibly extending to destinations like the Moon and Mars. If it ventures into deeper space, locating the vehicle from Earth may become a more challenging task for observers. The X-37B plays a crucial role for the United States by facilitating experiments that enhance understanding of ongoing and future space operations, pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved in space exploration.
