Unmanned, solar-powered US military space plane returns from record 908-day flight

One of the experiments carried on the X-37B’s latest flight was “FalconSat-8”. This microsatellite was designed and built by cadets at the US Air Force Academy.

The space plane released the satellite into orbit back in May 2020, where it remains in operation today. FalconSat-8 was developed to test a novel electromagnetic propulsion system, and also sports low-weight antenna technology,

Alongside this, it is also carrying three other technological experiments. These include a special form of cabling with carbon nanotube braiding and a flywheel capable of storing and releasing energy.

The third experiment, SkyPad, is a device capable of image processing, star tracking, and orbit determination. It was specially developed for low size, weight and power requirements, but was built from off-the-shelf components.

READ MORE: NASA’s vital mission will help pave the way for first Mars landing

Article source: https://www.express.co.uk/news/science/1697134/x-37b-space-plane-solar-powered-us-military-record-908-day-flight