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SpaceX launched the secretive X-37B US military mini shuttle from Kennedy Space Center for its eighth mission. Watch video.
SpaceX Launches Secretive US Military X-37B Space Drone
Elon Musk’s SpaceX on Thursday night launched a US military mini shuttle, with no one aboard. The secretive X-37B drone was successfully launched at 11:50 pm (0350 GMT on Friday), according to SpaceX’s livestream of the event.
Launched by Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida, this is X-37B space plane’s eighth mystery mission.
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As per a statement by US Space Force, the drone’s mission include a wide range of experiments. An AFP report quoted the service as saying, “These operational demonstrations and experiments comprise next-generation technologies including laser communications and the highest performing quantum inertial sensor ever tested in space.”
“Mission 8 will contribute to improving the resilience, efficiency and security of U.S. space based communications architectures,” it added.
SpaceX Launches US Military Spacecraft | Watch
The X-37B US space drone, about the size of a small bus, resembles a miniature version of the manned space shuttles that were retired in 2011.
On its previous missions, the X-37B has conducted tests for NASA, the US space agency.
In operation since 2010, the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle was developed for the Air Force by United Launch Alliance, a collaboration between Boeing and Lockheed Martin.
Measuring 30 feet (nine meters) in length with a 15-foot wingspan, the drone is powered by solar panels.
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The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
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