X-37B launching on a Falcon Heavy 12/10/2023

[Huxter]

December 10 2023 @ 8:14 p.m. EST.

The X-37B usually launches on a Falcon 9 or Atlas. Why do they need 3X the power of the Falcon 9?

It's not enough for trans lunar injection - right? So maybe just some very high elliptical orbits of Earth then?

 

[markschnell]

Ah man, I can see the launches from the end of my driveway. We've been in central Florida for about five months now and I have watch three of the Falcon 9's thus far. I was looking forward to watching one of the big ones but we'll be out of the state then. Bummed!

 

[kuririn]

Higher orbit?
Heavier payload?
Extra fuel for orbital manuevers?
All of the above?
https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Art...states-space-force-prepares-x-37b-for-launch/"These tests include operating in new orbital regimes, experimenting with space domain awareness technologies and investigating the radiation effects to NASA materials."

 

[aerostadt]

Looks like this launch has been delayed to Monday.

 

[kuririn]

Now targeting 8:13 PM EST on Wednesday 12/13.

 

[kuririn]

Launch delayed to an undisclosed date "to perform additional system checkouts".

 

[Huxter]

Dangit! Very unlike Spacex.

 

[Art Upton]

Dangit! Very unlike Spacex.

This is a DOD launch, of a very prized asset, it must happen and not have any issues

 

[kuririn]

Launch now targeted for Dec. 28.
https://www.space.com/falcon-heavy-x-37b-launch-date-december-2023

 

[BEC]

They got a Starlink launch off earlier this evening, so the lousy weather is gone. The Heavy is still scheduled for the 28th, along with a Starlink out of Vandeberg the same day. The Spaceflight Now commentator was noting that this was the longest time between SpaceX launches since April....all of almost 12 days. My how times have changed....

 

[NTP2]

The Spaceflight Now commentator was noting that this was the longest time between SpaceX launches since April....all of almost 12 days. My how times have changed....

A new breed of space company’s are taking over the market. And spaceX is front and center.

 

[DAllen]

"...primarily an orbital testbed for new space tech. "

Uh huh....Sure it is lol. You can't tell me its just a test bed. When that thing is in orbit it's screwing with other countries satellites.

 

[NTP2]

"...primarily an orbital testbed for new space tech. "

Uh huh....Sure it is lol. You can't tell me it’s just a test bed. When that thing is in orbit it's screwing with other countries satellites.

What are the chances that it has a gun on it, That it’s “testing”.

 

[aerostadt]

It looks like China's space place Shenlong, which is similar to the X-37B, launched earlier this month has released 6 satellites.


https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zo...as-released-multiple-mystery-objects-in-orbit

 

[DAllen]

What are the chances that it has a gun on it, That it’s “testing”.

Maybe. I'm thinking a can of spray paint. You could easily spray paint solar panels and the agency would have no clue why all of the sudden their sat is loosing power and altitude. Or heck, all you have to do is give one a nice little de-orbiting nudge and the ion thrusters a lot of these sats have on them will never keep up with the sudden descent. And how hard would it be to place a radio receiver on a sat to listen to all of its transmissions?

There are loads of possibilities...

 

[aerostadt]

This is the 3rd mission for the Shenlong. Some experts say that it is no coincidence that it has been launched at about the same time as the upcoming X-37B.


https://www.space.com/china-space-plane-launch-x-37b-delay

 

[Tyeeking]

Maybe. I'm thinking a can of spray paint. You could easily spray paint solar panels and the agency would have no clue why all of the sudden their sat is loosing power and altitude.

Space graffiti/tagging.

 

[NTP2]

This is the 3rd mission for the Shenlong. Some experts say that it is no coincidence that it has been launched at about the same time as the upcoming X-37B.


https://www.space.com/china-space-plane-launch-x-37b-delay

Space combat ops?!!

 

[Antares JS]

It looks like China's space place Shenlong, which is similar to the X-37B, launched earlier this month has released 6 satellites.


https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zo...as-released-multiple-mystery-objects-in-orbit

I just want to mention how pleased I am to learn that the Chinese actually named a spacecraft the Shenlong.

 

[kuririn]

I just want to mention how pleased I am to learn that the Chinese actually named a spacecraft the Shenlong.

Me too.

 

[kuririn]

Just thought up a joke.
Have you heard?
The Chinese did a knockoff of Bezos' rocket,
They call it the Shl.............
Never mind.

 

[Art Upton]

What are the chances that it has a gun on it, That it’s “testing”.

The Russians test fired a gun on a small "secret" early space station as they were leaving it for good. It didn't work out so well.

 

[NTP2]

The Russians test fired a gun on a small "secret" early space station as they were leaving it for good. It didn't work out so well.

I know that it happened but not anything more than that do you have details?

 

[Art Upton]

I read it like ten+ years ago so don't remember. I think it has to do with action/re-action effects.

 

[NTP2]

I read it like ten+ years ago so don't remember. I think it has to do with action/re-action effects.

Did it go into a spin? Like Gemini?

Ok I found it here is the Wikipedia.

 

[Art Upton]

Did it go into a spin? Like Gemini

Probably, I can't remember. That happens when we get old

 

[NTP2]

Probably, I can't remember. That happens when we get old

No the only thing you forgot is that you couldn’t remember anything when you were young either…

 

[kuririn]

Launch window opens at 7 PM ET on Thurs 12/28.
Space X is targeting 8:07 PM for the launch.
Live feeds on X@SpaceX and SCD TV.
I love night launches.

 

[ThirstyBarbarian]

Just thought up a joke.
Have you heard?
The Chinese did a knockoff of Bezos' rocket,
They call it the Shl.............
Never mind.

The North Koreans have one too — the Taepodong, pronounced Type o’ Dong.

 

[kuririn]

The North Koreans have one too — the Taepodong, pronounced Type o’ Dong.

Better than Wan Hung Lo.
(Getting off topic methinkst).