SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy Rocket Launches Carrying a Classified US Military Drone

SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy, a top-secret rocket, successfully launched into space, carrying the US military’s classified X-37B drone for a research mission. After several delays, the launch finally took place from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 8:07 pm Eastern Time (0107 GMT Friday), with a live stream available on SpaceX’s website.

The destination and specific details of the X-37B spacecraft’s seventh mission remain under wraps due to the high level of secrecy surrounding the uncrewed and autonomous vehicle.

The Pentagon has been very reserved in its comments about the spacecraft, originally slated for launch on December 7. SpaceX, in its announcement, referred to the mission by its Pentagon code name, USSF-52, confirming the successful launch of the mission into orbit.

Despite the secrecy, the Pentagon did reveal that the X-37B’s latest mission includes “multiple cutting-edge experiments.” The US Department of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office mentioned last month that the tests involve operating the spaceplane in new orbits, experimenting with space domain awareness technologies, and studying the effects of radiation on materials provided by NASA.

This mission is notable for being the first time the X-37B has been deployed aboard the Falcon Heavy, one of the most powerful rockets currently in operation, capable of carrying payloads of up to 26,700 kilograms (approximately 58,900 pounds) into space.

According to AFP, the X-37B US space drone is similar in appearance to a miniaturized version of the retired manned space shuttles and is about the size of a small bus. It measures 30 feet (nine meters) in length and has a wingspan of 15 feet (4.57 meters), utilizing solar panels for power. In its past missions, the X-37B has conducted various tests for NASA, including studying the effects of radiation on seeds and other materials.

The launch of Falcon Heavy occurs just two weeks after China’s deployment of its mysterious robotic space plane, Shenlong, on December 14. As reported by Xinhua, China’s state news agency, the mission involves verifying reusable technology and conducting space science experiments to support the peaceful use of space.