SpaceX Launches Secret X-37B Space Plane Mission

SpaceX Launches X-37B Space Plane on Secret Mission

On Thursday January 5th 2024, SpaceX successfully launched the X-37B space plane for the US military. This mysterious space plane has conducted secret missions for the Air Force several times before, but this is the first time SpaceX has been contracted to launch it. The goals and activities of this classified spacecraft are unknown to the public.

The X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle

The X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV) is an unmanned and reusable spacecraft operated by the United States Air Force. It looks similar to NASA's retired space shuttle orbiters but is much smaller at 29 feet long with a 14 foot wingspan. The OTV performs long duration missions in low Earth orbit and then re-enters Earth's atmosphere and lands autonomously like an aircraft.

The first X-37B was launched in 2010 and has completed five orbital missions so far, some lasting over two years! These highly classified flights test advanced guidance, navigation and control, thermal protection systems, avionics, high temperature structures and seals, conformal reusable insulation, lightweight electromechanical flight systems, advanced propulsion systems, advanced materials and autonomous orbital flight, reentry and landing.

SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket

The X-37B OTV-6 mission launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. SpaceX’s Falcon 9 is a reusable, two stage rocket designed and manufactured by SpaceX for the reliable and safe transport of satellites and spacecraft into orbit. It is the world's first orbital class reusable rocket which greatly reduces the cost of accessing space.

The Falcon 9 first stage booster previously launched GPS III-3, Turksat 5A, Transporter-2, and six Starlink missions. After launching the X-37B, it again landed smoothly on the drone ship in the Atlantic Ocean. SpaceX continues to push the boundaries of rocket reusability with the goal of rapid launch turnaround times.

OTV-6 Mission Objectives

The goals for the X-37B during the OTV-6 mission remain classified. The reusable space plane serves as an experimental test bed to demonstrate technologies for long duration spaceflight. Past experiments have included advanced guidance, navigation and control, thermal protection systems, avionics, high temperature structures and seals, conformal reusable insulation, lightweight electromechanical flight systems, advanced propulsion systems, advanced materials and autonomous orbital flight, reentry and landing.

The Air Force reports that this mission will “host more experiments than any prior X-37B mission. Specifically, this sixth mission will host a NASA experiment, designed to study the effects of radiation on certain materials and seeds, a naval power experiment to transform solar power into radio frequency microwave energy, and an Air Force Academy experiment.”

X-37B Design and Capabilities

The X-37B space plane was built by Boeing’s Phantom Works division. It has a length of 29 feet and a wingspan of 15 feet, about a quarter the size of NASA's Space Shuttle orbiters. The spacecraft is powered by a single engine fueled with hydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide. It has a launch weight of 11,000 lbs and is capable of orbital change maneuvers.

Unlike other spacecraft, the X-37B is the only orbital test vehicle that is reusable, landing horizontally on a runway. The reusable nature of the spaceship allows experiments to be returned and studied after landing. Advanced thermal protection and shielding allow the spacecraft to survive the intense heat of re-entry into the atmosphere.

Classified Mission Activities

While the experiments and technology demonstrations carried by the X-37B are known, the orbital activities and mission operations are kept secret by the Pentagon. Amateur satellite trackers carefully follow the orbital path of the vehicle during its months or years in space, but its exact operations are classified.

There is much speculation about the space plane's surveillance capabilities, ability to deploy or repair satellites, and readiness to quickly deliver payloads into orbit. The rapid launch turnaround capability provided by SpaceX combined with the X-37B’s reusable nature could allow responsive deployment of tactical payloads by the military when needed.

The Future of the X-37B Program

The X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle demonstrates the capability for reusable spaceplanes to serve as effective and efficient orbital platforms. Technologies proven on the X-37B could influence next generation spaceplanes as well as commercial space capabilities.

As the Space Force looks to leverage rapid technology development from commercial partners, the X-37B provides a testbed for demonstrating advanced systems. The expanding partnership between the Department of Defense and private space companies like SpaceX is the future for national security space launch. This will drive innovation and resiliency for both commercial and defense access to space.

The maiden voyage of the X-37B on a Falcon 9 rocket ushers in a new era of collaboration between the public and private space sectors. The joint capabilities demonstrated on this mission represent the next generation of space technology that will propel U.S. innovation in orbit and beyond.

FAQs

What is the X-37B?

The X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle is an unmanned, reusable spacecraft operated by the U.S. Air Force. It conducts long-duration missions in low Earth orbit to test advanced technologies.

What does the X-37B do?

The exact activities and mission objectives of the X-37B are classified. It serves as a testbed for experiments related to long duration spaceflight such as guidance systems, thermal protection, avionics, and autonomous flight and landing.

How big is the X-37B?

The X-37B is about 29 feet long and has a 14 foot wingspan, making it about a quarter the size of NASA's retired space shuttles.

How long can the X-37B stay in orbit?

The X-37B is capable of very long duration flights. The OTV-5 mission spent 780 days in orbit before successfully landing.

Who made the X-37B?

The X-37B was built by Boeing's Phantom Works division. It is launched aboard rockets produced by private companies like SpaceX under contract with the Air Force.