SpaceX is set to launch its powerful Falcon Heavy rocket from the Kennedy Space Center on Thursday, December 28, carrying the U.S. Space Force’s experimental X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle on its seventh flight. The mission marks a new milestone for the Falcon Heavy, which will deploy the X-37B space plane for the first time, breaking away from its usual association with United Launch Alliance (ULA) rockets.
The X-37B space plane, also known as the “Spaceplane,” is an experimental test program aimed at demonstrating a range of technologies for a reliable, reusable, unmanned space test platform for the U.S. Air Force. The device bears some similarities to NASA’s now-decommissioned space shuttle, but is significantly smaller, measuring only 29 feet (8.8 meters) in length.
Since its first mission in April 2010, the X-37B has spent a total of 3,774 days in space, including its most recent mission that ended in November 2022, where it set a record by staying in orbit for 908 days, beating its previous record by 129 days.
The USSF-52 mission is a significant milestone for the X-37B, as it will complete a wide range of tests, including radiation effects on materials provided by NASA. This is an important area of research, as understanding how materials respond to radiation is crucial for space exploration.
SpaceX Falcon Heavy Takes Center Stage with USSF-52 Mission Awaits
The mission will be the Falcon Heavy’s ninth flight and the first since October, when it launched the Psyche spacecraft on a mission to explore a metal asteroid. With its remarkable 5.5 million pounds of thrust, Falcon Heavy launches always draw attention due to the sheer power and spectacle of the event.
One of the most impressive aspects of Falcon Heavy launches is the sight of the two side boosters returning to Earth for an upright landing shortly after launch. This is a testament to the rocket’s reusability and innovative technology.
For those interested in watching the launch, SpaceX is aiming to launch the Falcon Heavy from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center on Thursday, December 28, with a targeted launch time of 8:07 p.m. ET (5:07 p.m. PT). The mission will be live-streamed on SpaceX’s website and account on X, formerly Twitter.
This mission marks a significant milestone for SpaceX and the U.S. Space Force, demonstrating the company’s capabilities and commitment to innovation in space exploration. With its powerful Falcon Heavy rocket, SpaceX is pushing the boundaries of what is possible, and the USSF-52 mission is just one example of the exciting developments ahead.
