Share this @internewscast.com

The United States military is preparing to launch its secretive X-37B space plane on a seventh mission in orbit.

The uncrewed vehicle, which resembles a miniature space shuttle, is slated to lift off Sunday from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida during a 10-minute launch window that opens at 8:14 p.m. ET. For the first time, the X-37B will ride into orbit atop a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket.

Since its debut more than a decade ago, the X-37B has been a source of intrigue within the space community, mostly owing to the mysterious nature of its activities in low Earth orbit. Despite not knowing its true purpose or location, skywatchers have occasionally spotted and photographed the space plane in the night sky using telescopes.

The U.S. Space Force typically does not disclose the classified aspects of X-37B missions. As such, little is known about the types of activities the robotic vehicle carries out in orbit.

For this upcoming flight, dubbed OTV-7, the X-37B will conduct various tests, including “experimenting with space domain awareness technologies and investigating the radiation effects to NASA materials,” according to the Space Force.

On the X-37B’s last mission, which spanned 908 days in orbit, the space plane lifted off aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Before that, the vehicle rode to space five times on United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V rockets. The Falcon Heavy booster is significantly more powerful than both, allowing the X-37B to operate in “new orbital regimes,” Space Force officials said in a statement.

It’s not known how long the X-37B will remain in space, or where and at what altitude it will ultimately orbit.

The military is tight-lipped about such operations, but the Space Force said the X-37B missions “are key to ensuring safe and responsible operations in space for all users of the space domain.”

“This seventh flight of the X-37B continues to demonstrate the innovative spirit of the United States Space Force,” Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said in a statement.

The mini space plane was built by Boeing and measures about 29 feet long. Like NASA’s space shuttles, the X-37B is designed to return to Earth and land on a runway.

The vehicle launched on its first mission in 2010 and has since logged 3,774 days in orbit over six flights.

On previous outings, Space Force officials said the X-37B’s civilian science experiments included tests of technology to harness solar energy and transmit power to the ground, as well as experiments on how organic materials fare when exposed to the environment of space for long periods of time.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Miles Teller surprises wife Keleigh with recreated wedding dress after wildfire loss

Miles Teller’s Heartfelt Gesture: Recreates Wife’s Wedding Dress Lost in Wildfire

In a poignant gesture of love and remembrance, Miles Teller surprised his…
Knicks survive near meltdown vs. Hawks, 128-125

Knicks Triumph Over Hawks in Tense 128-125 Victory

Karl-Anthony Towns is hitting his stride, and the New York Knicks’ young…
Zelenskyy says fresh Russian attack on Ukraine shows Putin's 'true attitude' ahead of Trump meeting

Historic Trump-Zelenskyy Meeting: Could It Pave the Way for a Landmark Zelenskyy-Putin Dialogue?

Sunday’s discussions between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy might…
Former University of Illinois Chicago hospital contractor Glenn Rhymes pleads guilty after showing patient gun in facility lobby

Ex-Contractor at University of Illinois Chicago Hospital Admits Guilt in Shocking Gun Incident with Patient

In a startling case out of Chicago, a former employee of the…
NFC North champion Chicago Bears players hit by illness ahead of San Francisco 49ers matchup for NFL playoff home-field advantage

NFC North Champion Chicago Bears Face Health Challenges Prior to Crucial Playoff Home-Field Advantage Clash Against San Francisco 49ers

The Chicago Bears are grappling with a widespread illness affecting at least…
Our Chicago: Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve With Ryan Seacrest Comes To Chicago

Chicago Gears Up for a Spectacular New Year’s Eve Bash with Dick Clark’s Rockin’ Show Hosted by Ryan Seacrest

CHICAGO — This year marks a significant milestone for “Dick Clark’s New…
3 injured in fight turned shooting at Jacksonville Westside bar, officers said

Three Injured in Jacksonville Westside Bar Shooting Incident, Police Report

In the early hours of Sunday morning, a restaurant on Jacksonville’s Westside…
Pats demolish Jets 42-10 in latest humiliation for Gang Green

Patriots Dominate Jets with a 42-10 Victory, Adding to New York’s Challenges

December has been a dismal month for the New York Jets, culminating…
Times Square’s New Year’s Eve Ball gets a fresh crystal upgrade

Times Square’s Iconic New Year’s Eve Ball Dazzles with Stunning Crystal Makeover for 2024 Celebration

The iconic Times Square Ball is undergoing its latest transformation in preparation…
TSA's union distractions thwart air safety — so Trump is stepping in

Trump Intervenes as TSA Union Issues Raise Concerns Over Air Safety

This holiday season, approximately 18 million Americans are relying on the Transportation…
UK flag clash as foreign banners fly, citizens push back against woke policies reshaping Britain

UK Flag Controversy: Citizens Challenge ‘Woke’ Policies Amid Rising Foreign Banner Displays

LONDON: In the United Kingdom’s landscape of 2025, a contentious debate over…
The moon and sun figure big in the new year's lineup of cosmic wonders

2024 Cosmic Wonders: Unveiling the Moon and Sun’s Spectacular New Year Performances

The year 2026 is set to be a spectacular one for celestial…