
Space-based solar power getting key test aboard US military's mysterious X-37B space plane
The X-37B space plane is being used to flight-validate the best ways to gather the sun's energy for power beaming from Earth orbit.
Military forces have a long association with spaceflight, with modern rockets evolving from missiles developed during World War II. Today's armed forces rely on space-based assets for reconnaissance, weather tracking, communication, navigation and more. The U.S. Air Force regularly launches GPS and missile-defense tracking satellites, and operates two classified X-37B robotic space planes. Learn more about military satellites, space weapon, the Space Force and more here.
Related Topics: NASA