US military’s X-37B robot spaceplane blasts off on secret mission aboard SpaceX rocket

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U.S. Military's X-37B Spaceplane Embarks on Seventh Mission Aboard SpaceX Falcon Heavy

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In a historic moment, the United States' secretive X-37B robot spaceplane has initiated its seventh mission, lifted into orbit by a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, reaching higher altitudes than ever before. This mission marks the first time the reusable plane, reminiscent of a mini space shuttle, has hitched a ride atop a Falcon Heavy.

Challenging Delays Overcome:

The Falcon Heavy, comprised of three rocket cores, successfully launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral. The mission faced delays due to technical issues, with three previous countdowns scrapped due to poor weather and unspecified technical challenges.

Growing U.S.-Sino Space Rivalry:

Coinciding with the X-37B's mission, China's robot spaceplane, Shenlong or "Divine Dragon," embarked on its third orbit since 2020. This development adds a new dimension to the intensifying rivalry between the United States and China in the realm of space exploration.

Mission Details Shrouded in Secrecy:

Operated by the U.S. Space Force under the military's national security space launch program, the X-37B mission remains cloaked in secrecy. The Pentagon has revealed limited information, and Thursday's launch marked the seventh flight of the X-37B, accumulating over a decade in orbit since its debut in 2010.

Innovative Tests and Experiments:

While the exact altitude of the spaceplane's flight remains undisclosed, a statement from the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office last month hinted at tests involving "new orbital regimes" and experimentation with future space domain awareness technologies. Notably, the X-37B is also carrying a NASA experiment to study the effects of prolonged radiation exposure on plant seeds in space, crucial for future long-term missions to the moon and Mars.

China's Shenlong in the Mix:

China's Shenlong, launched on December 14 using a less powerful Long March 2F rocket, has entered the scene as a formidable competitor. Space Force General B Chance Saltzman acknowledged the mutual interest, stating, "It's no surprise that the Chinese are extremely interested in our spaceplane. We're extremely interested in theirs." The competitive dynamics suggest a synchronized effort by both nations to advance their respective space capabilities.

Duration and Implications:

While the planned duration of the latest X-37B mission remains undisclosed, the prevailing pattern indicates progressively longer flights. Built by Boeing, the X-37B, resembling NASA's retired space shuttles but one-fourth their size, is poised to remain in orbit until June 2026 or later, underscoring its significance in advancing space exploration capabilities.

Escalating U.S.-Sino Space Rivalry:

Simultaneously, as the X-37B embarks on its mission, China's Shenlong, the "Divine Dragon" robot spaceplane, initiated its third orbit since 2020. This development adds a fresh layer to the escalating rivalry between the United States and China in the ever-expanding arena of space exploration.

Secrecy Surrounding Mission Details:

Operated by the U.S. Space Force under the umbrella of the military's national security space launch program, the X-37B mission remains shrouded in secrecy. The Pentagon has disclosed minimal information, and this seventh launch signifies over a decade of orbital missions since the X-37B's debut in 2010.

Pioneering Tests and Experiments:

While specifics about the spaceplane's flight altitude are undisclosed, a recent statement from the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office alluded to groundbreaking tests exploring "new orbital regimes" and cutting-edge experimentation with space domain awareness technologies. Additionally, the X-37B carries a NASA experiment, investigating the impact of prolonged radiation exposure on plant seeds—a vital study for future long-term missions to the moon and Mars.

In a historic moment, SpaceX, the private space exploration company, has propelled four astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) in the inaugural fully operational taxi flight commissioned by NASA. The Falcon rocket roared into the night sky from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, carrying three American astronauts—Mike Hopkins, Shannon Walker, Victor Glover—and Japan’s Soichi Noguchi onboard the Dragon capsule.

Resilience Amid Challenges:

The Dragon capsule, christened "Resilience" by the crew, embarked on its 27-hour journey to the ISS, symbolizing resilience in the face of myriad challenges in 2020, notably the Covid-19 pandemic. The crew is slated to stay on the space station until spring, contributing to ongoing scientific research.

Elon Musk's Absence and Covid-19 Impact:

SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk, a key figure in the company's space endeavors, had to remotely monitor the launch after revealing he "most likely" had a moderate case of Covid-19. NASA's policy mandated Musk to quarantine and remain isolated, showcasing the impact of the ongoing pandemic even in the realm of space exploration.

Smooth Liftoff with a Minor Glitch:

The Sunday launch, following a two-pilot test flight by SpaceX a few months ago, kicked off NASA's anticipated series of crew rotations between the United States and the ISS. Despite a smooth liftoff, four hours post-launch, NASA reported an issue with propellant heaters, initiating investigations. The problem was swiftly resolved, underscoring the meticulous approach to safety.

Automated Flight Amid Covid-19 Precautions:

The journey to the ISS is expected to be entirely automated, emphasizing technological advancements. With the backdrop of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, safety precautions adopted during SpaceX's previous crew launch in May persisted. The astronauts entered quarantine with their families in October, and all launch personnel adhered to mask-wearing protocols. The limited number of guests at Kennedy Space Center showcased the continued commitment to safety measures.

Historic Moment Amid Global Challenges:

Nasa Administrator Jim Bridenstine hailed the launch as "another historic moment" but emphasized the perpetual need for vigilance in space endeavors. As the world grapples with the challenges of the pandemic, the successful SpaceX mission to the ISS stands as a testament to human resilience and technological prowess.

Vice President Pence Witnesses Launch:

In a symbolic gesture of support, Vice President Mike Pence, Chairman of the National Space Council, traveled from Washington to witness the launch. His presence underscored the significance of the mission and the collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors in advancing space exploration