2023-11-11 05:20:31
▲ Appearance of the unmanned spacecraft X-37B. Photo = Boeing The U.S. military’s secret unmanned spacecraft, the X-37B, which is completely shrouded in mystery, is once again heading into space aboard the most powerful rocket in existence. Recently, the U.S. Space Force (USSF) announced that the X-37B is scheduled to launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on December 7.
The X-37B, whose true mission is not disclosed, has been launched a total of six times and left Earth. It was first launched on April 22, 2010, and returned after remaining in Earth orbit for 224 days, 468 days, 674 days, 718 days, and 780 days, respectively, and a total of 908 days in the final 6th mission.
Although it has ascended to space six times, the exact mission and purpose of the X-37B are still unknown. However, the US military states that this is for scientific and experimental use. The same goes for this 7th mission. The USSF said, “The seventh mission is an extensive test and experiment,” adding, “This test involves operating a reusable spacecraft in a new orbit, testing technology in the future space domain, and investigating the effects of radiation.” ▲ Unmanned spacecraft X-37B under maintenance. . Photo = Boeing However, something unusual was confirmed in this 7th launch. This is because the X-37B is scheduled to be mounted on private space company SpaceX’s large space launch vehicle ‘Falcon Heavy’ for the first time. The Falcon Heavy is as tall as a 23-story building, and is considered the most powerful rocket since NASA’s Saturn V, which sent humans to the moon in the past. Falcon Heavy is a form of three first-stage propellants of the recycled rocket ‘Falcon 9’, which is currently in active use, bundled side by side. It also has the power to carry up to 63.8 tons with a thrust of over 5 million pounds, making it possible to launch a large satellite or giant space telescope. It is highly likely that the X-37B will soon carry much heavier payloads or hardware than in the past. ▲ May 2020 The X-37B, which is carrying out some kind of mission in high orbit, has a total length of 8.8m, a height of 2.9m, and a wingspan of 4.6m, and appears to be a quarter of the size of the previous manned space shuttle. According to Boeing, which manufactured the aircraft, the USSF currently has a total of two X-37Bs. Additionally, Boeing says that the
Reporter Park Jong-ik pji@seoul.co.kr
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