The secretive X-37B robotic spacecraft was set to take off aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket at 8:14 p.m. Resembling a miniature NASA space shuttle with the windows blacked out, the reusable X-37B space plane is set to begin its seventh experimental mission. Previously, the X-37B has launched on the SpaceX Falcon 9 vehicle and the Atlas V rocket built by United Launch Alliance, a Lockheed Martin-Boeing joint venture. The Falcon Heavy produces more thrust than both of those rockets combined. The X-37B has already spent more than 3,700 days in space on prior uncrewed missions.

Source: CNN December 11, 2023 17:22 UTC