If you haven't seen it ...
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It's rather facinating to see the USSF release an image from the X-37B itself, which launched over a year ago in late 2023. It flew on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy, instead of an ULA Atlas V or SpaceX Falcon 9, giving it a much greater capability and set of vectors, including a Highly Eliptical Orbit (HEO).
www.twz.com
From an engineering standpoint, this mission was already fascinating because it was going to go beyond just orbital mechanics, but also push boundaries in fluid dynamics, including using aerobreaking to radically change those vectors into new ones.
www.twz.com
The capability and duration of the X-37 series has definitely lived up to countless 'firsts' since it's introduction in the '10s, so much so that the Chinese have moved to introduce their own, very similiar, automated spaceplane as well.
Related article:
X-37B Spaceplane Shares Earth Image For First Time As New Mission Details Emerge
The photo was captured during the ongoing seventh mission for the shadowy X-37B mini-shuttle, which has seen it enter into higher orbits. The photo was captured during the ongoing seventh mission for the shadowy X-37B mini-shuttle, which has seen it enter into higher orbits.
www.twz.com
It's rather facinating to see the USSF release an image from the X-37B itself, which launched over a year ago in late 2023. It flew on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy, instead of an ULA Atlas V or SpaceX Falcon 9, giving it a much greater capability and set of vectors, including a Highly Eliptical Orbit (HEO).
X-37B Headed Deeper Into Space With Falcon Heavy Rocket's Help
The X-37B spaceplane is planned to be launched again in December, this time atop the most powerful commercial rocket in the world.
www.twz.com
From an engineering standpoint, this mission was already fascinating because it was going to go beyond just orbital mechanics, but also push boundaries in fluid dynamics, including using aerobreaking to radically change those vectors into new ones.
Secretive X-37B Spaceplane To Use Aerobraking Maneuvers To Rapidly Change Orbit
New details about the latest X-37B mission showcase its high maneuverability and underscore long-standing questions about its capabilities.
www.twz.com
The capability and duration of the X-37 series has definitely lived up to countless 'firsts' since it's introduction in the '10s, so much so that the Chinese have moved to introduce their own, very similiar, automated spaceplane as well.
