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SpaceX to launch experimental spacecraft with Falcon Heavy rocket from Florida

SpaceX to launch experimental spacecraft with Falcon Heavy rocket from Florida

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — SpaceX crews are preparing to launch an experimental spacecraft from Florida’s Space Coast.

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A SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket will be used to launch a national security payload for the U.S. Space Force.

This will be the seventh mission of the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle, officials said.

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The mission is part of the U.S. Space Force National Security Space Launch program.

Officials said the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle, an experimental test program to demonstrate technologies for a reliable, reusable, unmanned space test platform for the U.S. Space Force.

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“Our national security space launches transport our most important capabilities into orbit,” said Brig. Gen. Kristin Panzenhagen, Program Executive Officer for Assured Access to Space and Commander, Space Launch Delta 45. “We partner closely with our launch service providers, and the entire team is focused on executing a successful mission.”

The launch is planned for some time on Dec. 10 from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

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Officials said a launch time will be released closer to launch day.

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