SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, launched its Falcon Heavy rocket on Friday, carrying a mysterious US military spacecraft called the X-37B. This uncrewed and autonomous space plane, engaged in cutting-edge research, took off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 6:37 AM IST.
The launch faced over two weeks of delays due to poor weather and technical issues. The X-37B’s launch also adds a competitive edge to US-Sino space rivalry, with China’s Shenlong launching two weeks earlier, as reported by Reuters.
Boeing highlights the spacecraft’s advanced avionics technology that automates de-orbit and landing functions. Without hydraulics, all flight controls and brakes operate using electro-mechanical actuation. The plane is constructed from a space-grade composite material, which is lighter than aluminum.
This launch marked the first time the X-37B utilized the SpaceX Falcon Heavy; previous launches occurred on the SpaceX Falcon 9 and the Atlas V rocket by the United Launch Alliance, a joint venture between Lockheed Martin and Boeing.
There are hints that the X-37B is designed for more distant orbits, possibly reaching the Moon and Mars, per CNN. If it explores deeper into space, tracking its location from Earth may become more challenging for observers. The X-37B plays a vital role in conducting experiments that aid the United States in understanding its ongoing and upcoming space operations, pushing the boundaries of what is achievable in space exploration.