• The US Space Force launched the X-37B spaceplane on Thursday, its 7th flight and 9th launch of the SpaceX Falcon Heavy booster.
• The launch was delayed 18 days due to issues with ground equipment.
• The X-37B will enter various orbits around Earth for testing, including experiments related to space domain awareness and the effects of long-duration exposure to space on organic materials.
• The mission will also include experiments with solar energy harnessing and power transmission.
• The X-37B is similar to the retired space shuttle but smaller and more affordable.
• The launch marks the 5th time the Falcon Heavy has launched in 2023, with the cargo remaining largely a mystery.