The United States Military's X-37B was sent back into orbit for the second time this year. According to Time's previous report, the mystery plane of has rocketed back to orbit again on Sunday, May 17, but this time it carried an extra load of science experiments.
In BBC News report, that X-37B, also known as Orbital Test Vehicle, orbited around the Earth for about 674 days. It was the third flight for the unmanned space plane since the mission was mysteriously compromised. Experts have downplayed that theory that it was taking a look at China's space laboratory.
Air Force's Rapid Capabilities Office currently runs the X-37B program which started in 1999. The space plane was first sent into orbit in April 2010 which returned to earth after eight months. It remained in space for about 15 months when it was deployed in March 2011.
Air Force officials have only told US media the spacecraft performs concept-of-operations development for reusable space vehicle technologies, clarifying that experimentation and reduction tests were conducted.
However, the report reiterated that no one knows what the space vehicle is used for which is why it is considered as a "mystery space plane." Testing technologies is the only credible explanation, which could help experts find new ways to launch future satellite missions. It was clarified that since the satellite mission costs several hundred million dollars, innovations should be assured being conducted straight out of the box.
U.S. Military's mystery space plane was sent back to orbit to honor health care workers and front line workers
The latest deployment of X-37B, a solar-powered plane that's flown by remote control without a crew, is the sixth flight of the space mission. Officials clarified that the period of the spacecraft to remain in orbit, including the purpose of the space mission, is still unknown. However, each mission has been progressively longer, as noted by Jim Chilton, a senior vice president for x-37B developer Boeing.
Although the winged aircraft is just one-quarter the size at 29 feet (9 meters) long, it still resembles NASA's old spacecraft. Extra compartment for experiments, including several for the U.S. Naval and NASA compartment for experiments, are featured within the X-37B, making it the space plane's biggest science load currently.
The deployment marked the newly established Space Force's second rocket launch, which was delayed because of bad weather. The second deployment on Sunday, May 17, was dedicated to the health workers and frontline workers who are serving the public during the pandemic.
The company clarified that health advice for the launch was properly followed. Many of the flight controllers wore face masks and were spread out to keep social distancing. However, precautions were less evident along the area causeways since spectators parked to view the launching of Atlas. However, the show was spoiled by the thick, low clouds.
It was also clarified that a new batch of Starlink satellites will be deployed by SpaceX in their mission to provide global internet service for all.
