U.S. Space Force prepares to launch drone space plane on science mission

The U.S. Space Force will launch the X-37B on an Atlas V rocket from Florida's Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on May 16, according to the service's news release.

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RESTRICTIONS: Broadcast: NO USE JAPAN, NO USE TAIWAN Digital: NO USE JAPAN, NO USE TAIWAN The U.S. Space Force will launch the X-37B on an Atlas V rocket from Florida's Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on May 16, according to the service's news release.

According to United Launch Alliance, the Atlas V is a two-stage rocket that can be augmented with up to five additional solid-fuel rockets, for a maximum thrust of 10,400 kN.

The robot shuttle is stowed in a capsule that the rocket will carry into space.

According to Space.com, the Space Force's parent service the Air Force has two X-37Bs.

The spacecraft has a wingspan of 15 feet, or 4.6 meters, and a length of 29 feet, or 8.8 meters.

Its payload bay is about the size of the bed of a small pickup truck.

The Space Force says the spacecraft will deploy the FalconSat-8, which is a small satellite developed by the Air Force.

The module will for the first time host experiments, including a study on the effects of radiation on various materials and food seeds.

Additionally, the X-37B will carry out an experiment to convert solar power into microwave energy, which could then be transmitted to Earth.

RUNDOWN SHOWS: 1.

Atlas V rocket will be utilized for the launch 2.

X-37B dimensions and payload 3.

Satellite deployment and materials, seeds experiments 4.

Solar energy to microwave conversion experiment VOICEOVER (in English): "The U.S. Space Force will launch the X-37B on an Atlas V rocket from Florida's Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on May 16, according to the service's news release." "The robot shuttle is stowed in a capsule that the rocket will carry into space." "According to Space.com, the Space Force's parent service the Air Force has two X-37Bs.

The spacecraft has a wingspan of 15 feet, or 4.6 meters, and a length of 29 feet, or 8.8 meters." "Its payload bay is about the size of the bed of a small pickup truck." "The Space Force says the spacecraft will deploy the FalconSat-8, which is a small satellite developed by the Air Force." "The module will for the first time host experiments, including a study on the effects of radiation on various materials and food seeds." "Additionally, the X-37B will carry out an experiment to convert solar power into microwave energy, which could then be transmitted to Earth." SOURCES: Space Force, Space.com https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2177702/next-x-37b-orbital-test-vehicle-scheduled-to-launch https://www.space.com/x-37b-space-plane-secret-mission-otv-6-launch-date.html *** For story suggestions please contact tips@nextanimation.com.tw For technical and editorial support, please contact: Asia: +61 2 93 73 1841 Europe: +44 20 7542 7599 Americas and Latam: +1 800 738 8377