Rather than launch from a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V or SpaceX Falcon 9 as it has done in the past, the seventh takeoff of the US Space Force's reusable X-37B spaceplane will make use of a Falcon Heavy rocket.

"The X-37B Mission 7 will launch on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket for the first time, designated USSF-52, with a wide range of test and experimentation objectives," [1]Space Force confirmed last night.

Those tests include operating the X-37B in new orbital regimes, experimenting with future space domain awareness technologies, and investigating the effects of radiation on materials, including plant seeds.

[2]

Program director Lt. Col. Joseph Fritschen said mission 7 will use the flight-proven service module that mounts to the spaceplane.

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Space Force did not give any indication on why it is launching from a Falcon Heavy. Five of the last missions for the spaceplane were aboard the Atlas V. The [5]fifth mission, launched in 2017, used a Falcon 9.

Missions aboard the X-37B are typically vague in details as the spaceplane has a history of secrecy.

[6]

A Falcon Heavy, however, is capable of lifting a heavier payload. It can put nearly 141,000 lbs (63.9 metric tons) into low Earth orbit or a little over 58,000 lbs (26.3 metric tons) into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). Comparatively, the Falcon 9 can lift just over 50,000 lbs (22.7 metric tons) into LEO or over 18,000 lbs (8.2 metric tons) to GTO. The Atlas V can hoist a little over 41,500 lbs (18.8 metric tons) to LEO and 19,600 lbs (8.9 metric tons) to GTO.

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Not including the service module, the X-37B has a maximum takeoff weight of 11,000 lbs (4.9 metric tons).

Self-described "infamous YouTube rocket scientist" Scott Manley [11]reminded the internet that the mission's solicitation required 6,350 kg (14,000 lbs) to GTO, which is heavier than previous X-37B launches.

Because of the spaceplane's journey to a higher orbit for the first time, the vehicle will be under unique stresses, noted Manley, including both speed and exposure to heat.

USSF-52 was originally intended to be launched in 2021 but was delayed by payload and range availability. The $130 million contract was [12]awarded to SpaceX in June of 2018.

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The current launch date is December 7 from Kennedy Space Center. X-37B's last mission was completed when it landed November 2022 after setting a record of 908 days in orbit. ®

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[1] https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3583347/department-of-the-air-force-scheduled-to-launch-seventh-x-37b-mission/

[2] https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/jump?co=1&iu=/6978/reg_offbeat/science&sz=300x50%7C300x100%7C300x250%7C300x251%7C300x252%7C300x600%7C300x601&tile=2&c=2ZU1kltaGJxtK7n5JmbMb9gAAAJA&t=ct%3Dns%26unitnum%3D2%26raptor%3Dcondor%26pos%3Dtop%26test%3D0

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[5] https://www.theregister.com/2017/09/07/spacex_x37b_spy_plane_launch/

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[7] https://www.theregister.com/2020/12/14/space_in_brief/

[8] https://www.theregister.com/2019/10/29/space_roundup/

[9] https://www.theregister.com/2023/10/16/developers_build_ai_to_read/

[10] https://www.theregister.com/2023/10/12/nasas_psyche_delay/

[11] https://twitter.com/DJSnM/status/1722410629783486510

[12] https://www.afspc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1559450/air-force-awards-afspc-52-launch-services-contract-to-spacex/

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[14] https://whitepapers.theregister.com/