SUA au lansat în spațiu avionul secret X-37B, într-o misiune care va dura câțiva ani. Spre deosebire de precedentele șase misiuni, va fi plasat acum la o distanță mult mai mare de Pâmânt, cu ajutorul rachetei SpaceX Falcon Heavy.

The United States Air Force has launched its mysterious X-37B spaceplane into orbit once again, but this time it’s embarking on a mission that will last several years. What caught my attention about this article is the fact that, unlike its previous six missions, the X-37B will be placed at a much greater distance from Earth, thanks to the SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket.

The X-37B, also known as the Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV), is an unmanned spacecraft operated by the U.S. Air Force. It’s designed for long-duration stays in orbit and conducting various experiments while in space. While many details about its missions remain classified, it’s believed that the X-37B is used for testing advanced technologies, surveillance and reconnaissance, and potentially even serving as a platform for deploying small satellites.

In this upcoming mission, the X-37B will venture to a significantly higher orbit than before, expanding its operational capabilities. The use of the Falcon Heavy rocket from SpaceX allows the secretive spaceplane to be placed at a much greater distance from Earth, enhancing its ability to conduct experiments and gather data.

The X-37B is an intriguing spacecraft, often described as a miniature version of the NASA Space Shuttle. With a length of about 9 meters and a wingspan of just under 5 meters, it is significantly smaller and more maneuverable than its larger predecessor. Its compact design allows it to launch on top of a rocket like the Falcon Heavy and return to Earth by landing horizontally on a runway, just like an airplane.

While the exact purpose and objectives of the X-37B’s missions remain undisclosed, its ability to remain in orbit for extended periods of time undoubtedly showcases the advancements in space technology. This mission’s new placement at a greater distance from Earth adds to the intrigue surrounding the X-37B’s capabilities and potential applications.

In conclusion, the launch of the X-37B on its latest mission, further away from Earth with the help of the Falcon Heavy rocket, highlights the U.S. Air Force’s commitment to advancing space exploration and experimentation. With each mission shrouded in secrecy, the X-37B continues to capture our imagination and reminds us of the vast possibilities that lie beyond our planet’s atmosphere.