space force

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X-37B space plane encapsulated ahead of its sixth mission.

US Space Force delays launch of secretive space plane to Dec. 10

By Josh Dinner published

The U.S. military's elusive X-37B space plane has postponed its next launch by three days. Based on the rocket its riding on, the secretive spacecraft is likely launching farther than ever before.

Space Exploration
A U.S. Air Force X-37B space plane, encapsulated ahead of a planned May 16, 2020, launch. That liftoff will kick off the sixth mission for the X-37B program.

10 things we know about the secret X-37B space plane

By Adam Mann published

The U.S. military has an uncrewed mini-shuttle called the X-37B. Here's what we know about this secret space plane.

Space Exploration
A Rocket Lab Electron rocket launches the U.S. Space Force's Monolith satellite from New Zealand, on June 29, 2021.

Rocket Lab is back in business, with launch of US military satellite

By Mike Wall published

The company's Electron rocket launched a small satellite for the U.S. military early Thursday morning (July 29), acing its first mission since a failure in mid-May.

Space Exploration
An Atlas V rocket carrying a missile-warning satellite lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on May 18, 2021.

US Space Force blasts missile-warning satellite into orbit around Earth

By Jeanna Bryner published

The U.S. Space Force launched a giant rocket Tuesday (May 18) carrying a satellite that will circle Earth's equator and alert the ground of any incoming missiles, according to news reports.

Space Exploration
NASA and the Space Force have teamed up to sign a memorandum of understanding.

NASA and US Space Force team up for planetary defense, moon trips and more

By Chelsea Gohd published

Planets
As multiple nations have exploration crosshairs on Earth's moon, including private sector interests, there's also increasing discussion of the military utility of cislunar space and lunar territory, too.

Is Earth-moon space the US military's new high ground?

By Leonard David published

U.S. military officials have increasingly flagged a new role in guarding American assets and interests in Earth-moon space.

Space
The U.S. Space Force isn't the only military space branch popping up around the world.

Countries around the world want a Space Force — but why?

By Chelsea Gohd published

Countries around the world are following the U.S. in creating their own version of the Space Force.

Space
A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket takes off on an Air Force mission on Aug. 8, 2019. SpaceX and ULA will share the job of carrying "national security" cargo for the military going forward, as the Pentagon rushes to retire the Atlas V and its Russian-made rocket engines.

SpaceX wins Pentagon rocket contract to send spy satellites into orbit

By Rafi Letzter published

SpaceX and United Launch Alliance will share the job of launching the Pentagon's most important military equipment from 2022 to 2026.

Space Exploration
A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket launches an X-37B space plane on a classified mission for the U.S. Space Force from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on May 17, 2020.

Space Force launches robotic X-37B space plane on new mystery mission

By Amy Thompson published

The U.S. Space Force's mysterious X-37B space plane successfully launched on its sixth mystery mission from Florida today (May 17).

Space Exploration
A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying the X-37B space plane for the U.S. Space Force's OTV-6/USSF-7 mission stands atop a rainy launch pad at Cape Canaveral Air Force Base, Florida on May 16, 2020.

Launch of secret X-37B space plane delayed by bad weather

By Tariq Malik published

The U.S. Space Force's next secret mission of a robotic X-37B space plane has been delayed at least 24 hours after bad weather thwarted a launch attempt today (May 16).

Space Exploration
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