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
Biological male killer housed in Oregon women's prison wins high-dollar legal settlement in sex abuse suit

Transgender Inmate Secures Significant Legal Settlement in Oregon Women’s Prison Abuse Case

A convicted murderer who transitioned from male to female while incarcerated has…
Elon Musk and Sam Altman head to court with tough judge who took on Apple firing warning shot at billionaires

Elon Musk and Sam Altman Face Court Proceedings with Noted Judge Known for Challenging Apple, Signaling a Stark Message to Billionaires

In the heart of Silicon Valley, some of the tech world’s most…
Lawmakers send letter demanding 'immediate action' on California's fuel crisis

Urgent Call to Action: Lawmakers Demand Swift Resolution to California’s Fuel Crisis

Bipartisan state lawmakers in California are pressing the state’s energy authorities to…
Lefty senate candidate Graham Platner argues that US should be 'far more cooperative' with China on climate change issues

Left-Wing Senate Hopeful Graham Platner Advocates for Enhanced US-China Climate Collaboration

Maine Democrat Graham Platner has pledged to enhance relations with China should…
Long Island cops unveil futuristic guns that could fire GPS darts during chases

Long Island Police Introduce High-Tech Guns Equipped with GPS Tracking Darts for Pursuit Operations

Sheriff’s deputies in Suffolk County are experimenting with innovative firearms designed to…
Ex-NYPD cop convicted of perjury for lying about circumstances of 2009 Bronx shooting

Former NYPD Officer Found Guilty of Perjury in Controversial 2009 Bronx Shooting Case

A former officer of the NYPD was convicted of perjury on Friday,…
Florida woman allegedly killed two ex-lovers the same day, and police found out when she asked 'Which one?'

Florida Woman Allegedly Commits Double Homicide of Former Partners, Inquiry Prompted by Her Question ‘Which One?

Prosecutors in Florida are pursuing the death penalty for a woman charged…
Semitruck driver in deadly interstate crash fraudulently obtained license, citizenship: Officials

Tragic Interstate Crash Unveils Fraudulent License and Citizenship Claims of Semitruck Driver

A tragic interstate collision that claimed the lives of a young family…
Simple act can lower risk of early death by 45%: new study

Discover the Simple Habit That Could Slash Your Risk of Early Death by 45%

Participating in elections might just be your ticket to both civic responsibility…
Russian attack on Odesa, Ukraine, kills married couple, officials say

Tragic Russian Strike on Odesa Claims Lives of Beloved Couple: Ukrainian Officials Report

Ukrainian authorities reported that a Russian drone assault on the southern city…
Every look Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep wore during the 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' press tour

Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep’s Iconic Fashion Moments Steal the Spotlight on ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ Press Tour

Two decades after “The Devil Wears Prada” captivated audiences, Meryl Streep, Anne…
Wild photos show firefighters battling massive 5-alarm fire at historic NYC church

Stunning Photos Capture Heroic Firefighters Tackling Devastating 5-Alarm Blaze at Iconic NYC Church

Striking images have emerged of firefighters valiantly combating an intense 5-alarm blaze…