U.S. Air Force X-37B Spaceplane To Launch On SpaceX Falcon Heavy Rocket
The U.S. Air Force's X-37B spaceplane is scheduled to launch on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket on December 7, 2023, from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This will be the seventh mission for the X-37B, which is a reusable, unmanned spacecraft that has been used for a variety of missions, including testing new technologies and conducting scientific experiments.
The upcoming mission, designated USSF-52, will carry a wide range of payloads, including experiments to test new propulsion systems and materials, as well as a service module that will provide additional power and storage for the spacecraft.
"We are excited to expand the envelope of the reusable X-37B's capabilities," said Lt. Col. Joseph Fritschen, the X-37B Program Director. "This mission will allow us to test new technologies in space and gather valuable data that will inform future missions."
The X-37B is a small, reusable spacecraft that measures about 29 feet long and 9.5 feet wide. It has a wingspan of just under 15 feet and can carry a payload of up to 5,000 pounds. The spacecraft is powered by a single J-2 engine and can reach speeds of up to 25,000 miles per hour.
The X-37B has been used for a variety of missions, including testing new technologies, conducting scientific experiments, and supporting space station operations. The spacecraft has previously launched on Atlas V rockets, but this will be the first time it has launched on a Falcon Heavy rocket.
The Falcon Heavy is a powerful rocket that can carry up to 27 metric tons of cargo to orbit. It is the most powerful rocket currently in operation and has been used to launch a variety of missions, including sending satellites into orbit and carrying astronauts to the International Space Station.
The launch of the X-37B on a Falcon Heavy rocket is a significant milestone for the U.S. Air Force and SpaceX. It is also a demonstration of the growing commercial space industry and the increasing use of private companies to launch government missions.
