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
Unhinged suspect who allegedly clocked NYPD cop in head inside subway station is busted: sources

Chaos in the Subway: Unhinged Suspect Arrested for Alleged Assault on NYPD Officer

A man accused of assaulting an NYPD officer during an attempted arrest…
New program connects schools with Disney's musical magic

Innovative Initiative Bridges Schools with Disney’s Musical Expertise

In Nutley, New Jersey, the enchanting world of Disney has been brought…
Pakistani terrorist recruited by Iranian spies convicted of plotting to kill Trump, other US pols in harebrained plan foiled by feds

Iranian Spy Plot to Assassinate Trump and US Politicians Thwarted: Pakistani Terrorist Convicted in Federal Sting

A Pakistani man, recruited by Iranian intelligence, was sentenced on Friday for…
SilverLeaf neighbors react to St. Johns County's first criminal homicide in more than a year

SilverLeaf Community Shocked by St. Johns County’s First Criminal Homicide in Over a Year

A tragic incident unfolded on Wednesday at a bustling construction site in…
The real reason why Kristi Noem's cuckold husband stayed married to her through Corey Lewandowski 'humiliation'

Unraveling the Secrets: Why Kristi Noem’s Husband Stands by Her Amidst Corey Lewandowski Scandal

WASHINGTON — Bryon Noem’s family is urging him to reconsider his marriage…
Russia giving Iran information in 'effort' to attack US in Middle East

Russia Allegedly Shares Intelligence with Iran in Potential Move Against US Interests in the Middle East

A recent report suggests that Russia is providing Iran with intelligence regarding…
Gusts could top 70 MPH through Saturday

High Winds Expected: Brace for Gusts Up to 70 MPH This Weekend

An urgent alert has been issued as powerful Santa Ana winds are…
Iran proxies wage war on Israel, threaten US interests as Iraq slammed for not disarming them

Iranian Proxies Escalate Conflict with Israel, Pose Threat to US Interests Amid Iraq’s Inaction

EXCLUSIVE: Amid the ongoing conflict aimed at dismantling Iran’s nuclear capabilities and…
Miami developer accused of $85M fraud scheme, blowing investor cash on yacht, Rolex

Miami Developer Faces Charges in $85M Fraud: Allegedly Splurged Investor Funds on Yacht and Luxury Rolex

A Florida real estate developer faces serious charges following the unsealing of…
Heart-stopping video shows bunk bed collapse nearly impale little boy, sister’s heroic split-second reaction

Heroic Sister Saves Brother in Heart-Stopping Bunk Bed Collapse Caught on Video

In a shocking incident captured on video, a bunk bed dramatically collapsed…
Iran, US war news today: Chicago barber Axel Ramos stranded in Dubai, says has not heard from US government amid deadly strikes

Chicago Barber Axel Ramos Stranded in Dubai Amid Tensions Between Iran and US; Reports No Contact from US Authorities

CHICAGO (WLS) — As tensions escalate following six days of conflict with…
Coast Guard rescue swimmer dies after medical evacuation mission off Washington coast turns tragic

Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer Tragically Dies Following Medical Evacuation Mission off Washington Coast

The U.S. Coast Guard has confirmed the tragic passing of Petty Officer…