Mysterious X‑37B is set for orbit again. "Groundbreaking" experiments

The elusive American shuttle X-37B is due to be launched into space aboard SpaceX's Falcon Heavy rocket soon. This marks the seventh mission of this vessel, serving yet again as a test site. The details remain undisclosed, but it can be inferred that, as with previous missions, it will spend an extended period in orbit.

The seventh mission of the American shuttle X-37B, designated USSF-52, was originally set for December 7th. However, the date has been adjusted. As per Space.com, it is now scheduled for December 11th at 20:14 Eastern Time. The launch must fit within a 10-minute launch window.

Launching the shuttle into space aboard the Falcon Heavy rocket will be a first. Earlier missions used the slightly smaller Falcon 9 rocket, also owned by Elon Musk's SpaceX, and the Atlas V rocket from United Launch Alliance.

As pointed out by Space.com, most details of the X-37B mission are kept confidential. Nevertheless, a statement by the U.S. Space Forces on USSF-52 highlighted that the X-37B will conduct numerous tests and experiments in space. This includes "operating a reusable space plane in new orbital regimes, exploring future technologies to expand spatial awareness, and studying the impact of radiation on materials provided by NASA".

The Chief of Space Operations, Gen. B. Chance Saltzman, deemed these experiments "groundbreaking," stating: "The X-37B continues to provide the United States with vital knowledge to enhance current and future space operations. The seventh mission of the X-37B demonstrates the USSF's dedication to innovation and establishing the art of possibilities in the realm of space."

The X-37B remains enigmatic. Development of this technologically advanced, reusable aircraft began at NASA in 1999. Initially, two separate vehicles were considered, but only one was ultimately constructed. NASA transferred the program to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), a U.S. government body operating under the Department of Defense, in 2004.

The functionalities and explicit characteristics of the X-37B are still not disclosed. However, it is acknowledged that Boeing developed the shuttle, which embarked on its pioneer voyage in 2010. The aircraft is 29 feet long and 9.5 feet tall, with a 15 feet wingspan. The shuttle's payload is expected to be around 500 pounds, with a maximum takeoff weight of about 11,000 pounds. The X-37B is solar-powered and can operate at altitudes ranging from approximately 150 to 500 miles.

Notably, each X-37B mission has exceeded the previous ones in duration. The last, record-setting, shuttle journey concluded in November 2022, lasting a total of 908 days. It is possible that the upcoming USSF-52 mission will establish a new record for the number of days the X-37B spends in orbit.