The unmanned X-37B space shuttle has begun its seventh mission in Earth’s orbit. The vehicle was launched into space using SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket. Falcon Heavy, composed of three interconnected modules, took off from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The X-37B, built by Boeing, resembles a miniature space shuttle and is roughly the size of a small bus. Its main tasks include deploying various payloads in orbit and conducting technological experiments.
Since 2010, the X-37B has completed six missions. Previously, the shuttle was launched using Atlas V rockets, but this time it was lifted by the Falcon 9 rocket for the first time. In this mission, the X-37B is also conducting experiments for NASA to study the impact of long-term exposure of plant seeds to radiation in space. The possibility of growing plants in space is being seriously considered in plans to provide astronauts with food during future long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars.
The Pentagon has not provided specific details about the altitude of the X-37B, but it is likely that the shuttle has been placed in a highly elliptical orbit about 35,000 kilometers from Earth. There is also a possibility that the shuttle has been directed towards the Moon.
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FAQ
1. What is the purpose of the X-37B mission?
The main purpose of the X-37B mission is to deploy payloads in orbit and conduct technological experiments. Additionally, the shuttle carries out research for NASA on the effects of long-term exposure of plant seeds to radiation in space.
2. What are the dimensions of the X-37B shuttle?
The X-37B shuttle is roughly the size of a small bus.
3. Who built the X-37B shuttle?
The X-37B shuttle was built by Boeing.
Definitions
X-37B Shuttle: An unmanned spacecraft that performs missions in Earth’s orbit. Its main tasks include deploying payloads and conducting technological experiments.
Falcon Heavy: A powerful rocket consisting of three interconnected modules, used to launch various payloads into Earth’s orbit. Falcon Heavy was produced by SpaceX.
NASA: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the U.S. government agency responsible for space exploration and manned flights.
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