USSF 52

[Yazata]

Tonight, SpaceX will be using a triple-core Falcon Heavy to launch a classified Space Force mission at 8:06 PM EST (5:08 PM PST) from Pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral. Payload will be that mysterious uncrewed mini-space-shuttle (X37B) that has a habit of remaining in orbit for years.

After orbiting that mysterious payload (the SpaceForce is very closed-mouthed about it) the two Falcon Heavy side boosters will boost-back to Cape Canaveral and will land at Landing Zone's 1 and 2. The center core will be expended getting this heavy payload into the desired orbit.

https://www.spacex.com/launches/mission/...Id=ussf-52

https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/110

I'm surprised that they released the image below. It appears to show the X37B attached to a service/propulsion module, suggesting the ability to maneuver in space so as to (perhaps speculatively) match orbits with foreign satellites. The presence of aerosurfaces on the propulsion module suggest that it's intended to reenter the atmosphere and be recovered, like the X37B itself. (Human at the lower right for scale)

My entirely speculative guess about the reason this photo was released is because it's widely known that both Russia and China have been experimenting with maneuverable satellites, and maybe the US wanted to say 'Don't get too pleased with yourselves, look what we have!'

[Image: GCc-D7DXEAAKnPO?format=jpg&name=small]

[Syne]

Those forward fins are starting to look like the old shuttle wings.

[Yazata]

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/wnfddhDuWDE

[Yazata]

Flawless launch, orbital ascent and landing of the two side boosters back at Cape Canaveral.

Incredibly good Moon transit photo by John Kraus of @johnkrausphotos

It's hard to overemphasize how difficult it is to get this shot. Timing and camera location have to be just right.

[Image: GCelCupXQAA1Axu?format=jpg&name=large]