Okay! What spacecraft has landed?
On 12th November 2022, an unmanned spacecraft from the United States of America (USA) returned to Earth after 2.5 years in orbit. The Boeing-built X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV) landed in Florida, USA, at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Kennedy Space Center. This was the spacecraft’s sixth and longest mission. During its time in space, it conducted many experiments before returning to Earth for evaluation. The spacecraft housed a service module that conducted experiments for various organisations.
What experiments were conducted?
OTV-6 was the first mission to use a service module, which was a ring attached to the vehicle's back. This increased the number of experiments possible during the mission. One of the devices that OTV-6 carried, about the size of a pizza box, can be used to send solar energy down to Earth. This experiment could help in the direct generation of solar power from space. OTV-6 also carried FalconSat-8, a satellite with its own five experimental payloads.
The satellite was launched by the X-37B in October 2021 and is still in orbit today. The spacecraft also carried out a few NASA experiments. The OTV mission is carried out by the Space Force.
Okay. What is the Space Force?
The United States Space Force (USSF) is the military's newest branch. It was created on 20th December 2019. The USSF assists the other branches of the military by running various programmes such as military satellite communications, GPS, etc.
The USSF was formed because space has become so important to a country's security that it requires the formation of a separate military force to defend it.
What did we learn from this article?
We learned about various experiments being done by other countries. Such experiments are required in order to better the human race. Do you think India should have its own space force? Please let us know in the comments section.
