SpaceX Falcon Heavy Launches U.S. Space Force X-37B on Historic Mission

Space News ,U.S :- In a remarkable feat on December 28, a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket successfully propelled the U.S. Space Force X-37B spaceplane into orbit for its seventh mission. The majestic triple-booster Falcon Heavy took off at 8:07 pm Eastern from Launch Complex 39A at NASA Kennedy Space Center in Florida, marking a pivotal moment in space exploration.

Designated as USSF-52, this mission became SpaceX 97th launch of the year and the ninth flight for the Falcon Heavy. Originally scheduled for liftoff on December 10, the launch faced delays due to weather conditions. Despite being rescheduled for December 11, technical issues prompted another delay, leading to the Falcon Heavy return to the hangar on December 14. Reports indicate that one or more engines were replaced during this period.

Shortly after liftoff, the side boosters of the Falcon Heavy gracefully separated from the center core, with the second stage detaching about four minutes later. In an impressive display of precision, the side boosters made their return to Landing Zones 1 and 2 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station approximately eight minutes after liftoff, marking the 257th and 258th successful landings of a SpaceX booster. Regrettably, the center core was expended and descended into the Atlantic Ocean. Interestingly, SpaceX concluded the live webcast without revealing any images of the payload.

This mission was particularly noteworthy as it marked the first time the X-37B spaceplane was launched aboard a Falcon Heavy rocket. Previously, the X-37B had completed five missions on United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 and one on SpaceX Falcon 9. SpaceX secured a $130 million contract in June 2018 to launch USSF-52.

The X-37B, characterized as an autonomous reusable vehicle, has been on space missions since 2010, featuring extended missions that span multiple years. Unlike traditional satellites, the X-37B returns to Earth at the end of each mission, landing on runways either at Kennedy Space Center or Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

The recently launched Operational Test Vehicle 7, part of the X-37B fleet, carried a payload of U.S. military and NASA science experiments. Operated jointly by the Air Force and Space Force, these Boeing-made spacecraft have been pivotal in advancing space exploration.

The specifics of USSF-52 target orbit remain classified, though space enthusiasts estimate a highly elliptical, high inclination orbit. The X-37B unique capabilities, including rapid orbit changes, pose challenges for tracking its precise location.

The 29-foot-long spaceplane is set to conduct a diverse array of tests, including operations in new orbital regimes, experiments with space domain awareness technologies, and investigations into the radiation effects on materials, courtesy of NASA and the Space Force.

Among the payloads, NASA Seeds-2 mission aims to expose plant seeds to harsh radiation environments, while the mission will also deploy FalconSat-8, a small satellite developed by the United States Air Force Academy for scientific experiments.

This mission follows the success of the previous X-37B mission, OTV-6, which launched in May 2020 and set a new endurance record, spending an impressive 908 days on orbit before landing in November 2022. The X-37B continues to contribute significantly to scientific research and advancements in space technology.