SpaceX successfully launched the Falcon Heavy rocket, which launched the X-37B military space plane, on Thursday night (28). See the images of the takeoff below.
The launched spacecraft was sent into space for the United States military and will carry out cutting-edge research in the territory. It's unclear, however, exactly where the space plane is headed.
The takeoff was made from NASA's Kennedy Space Center, in Florida, at 10 pm (BrasÃlia time).
The X-37B's activities in space have been the subject of fascination and speculation in the space community, as amateur enthusiasts race to track its whereabouts and share theories about its activities.
All launch planning was successfully completed, from the launch of the rocket to the separation of the ship's boosters, the launch of the plane, and the rocket's safe return to base.
Resembling a miniature NASA space shuttle with its windows closed, the reusable, fully autonomous X-37B is known for conducting research into concepts such as relaying solar energy from space for use on Earth and studying the effects of radiation on spent seeds. to grow food.
This mission – the seventh trip to space by an X-37B plane – promises to be even more intriguing than previous flights.
Powerful ride
This launch marks the first time the space plane has hitched a ride on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy, one of the most powerful operational rockets in the world.
Previously, the X-37B was launched on the SpaceX Falcon 9 vehicle and Atlas V rocket built by United Launch Alliance, a joint venture between Lockheed Martin and Boeing.
The Falcon Heavy produces more thrust than both rockets combined.
The launch via Falcon Heavy could indicate that the X-37B is destined for more distant orbits, perhaps even to the Moon or Mars, suggested Paul Graziani, CEO of COMSPOC, a company dedicated to tracking objects in space.
If it travels much deeper into the cosmos than previous flights, it could be much more difficult for skywatchers on Earth to determine where the vehicle is.
If the military doesn't want people to track the X-37B, Graziani added, the vehicle could be hidden in the glare of the sun or by various other means — including frequently changing position.
Source: CNN Brasil
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