On board the X-37B of NASA laser and quantum systems. Thus the US space forces want to maintain technological primacy. Revolution in sight for navigation and telecommunications
In the space, a mission of the mysterious X-37b spatial aircraft of the US Space Force (theme NASA OTV-7, from ORBITAL TEST VEHICLE) is taking place. This is what is considered the new shuttle “Shuttle”, albeit without a crew, in this case launched by a Spacex Falcon 9 rocket by the Kennedy Space Center of NASA, in Florida, on the evening of 21 August, or at the 5 anti -Meridian of August 22 in Italy.
The first stadium of the rocket returned to Earth as expected, 8 and a half minutes after the lift-off (take-off), landing at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, located next to the launch center. In the meantime, the upper stadium of the rocket has continued to transport the shuttle to the low terrestrial orbit, where the space aircraft will carry out a series of tasks, some of which are secreted.
Secrecy and technologies on board
For this reason, Spacex interrupted the launch webcast transmission immediately after the landing of the rocket, at the request of the Space Force. It seems that the motivation of so much confidentiality derives from the fact that sensation sensors and communication systems based on the modulation of laser rays intended to supplant the radio waves for satellite navigation are installed on board.
Quantum technology is a part of physics and computer science that deals with the development of algorithms and systems to perform complex calculations. If we think of basic information technology, consisting of bit packages that can be worth 0 and 1, in quantum technology the concept is overcome and a single bit can take both values. This opens scenarios and otherwise not possible possibilities in the fields of electronics and telecommunications.
Features of the X-37B
The X-37B, built by Boeing and 8.8 meters long, looks like a miniature version of the Space Shuttle Orbiters who were withdrawn from NASA for obsolescence. It is mainly used as a test bench for new technologies that the armed forces intend to test in the terrestrial orbit. Much of this equipment is classified, so we only have a partial picture of the useful loads and activities of this shuttle.
Next OTV-8 mission
The next mission, called OTV-8, has already been nodded and provides for the testing of the “more advanced more advanced in space” inertial sensor, as Space Force said on 28 July last.
An inertial quantum sensor is a tool that allows spatial vehicles to measure acceleration, rotation and speed using the principles of quantum mechanics. Consequently, not to be influenced by external disturbing factors, whether they are of natural origin (limitations), or generated by potential enemies.
Navigation and communications
The declaration issued on July 28 of the Communication Managers reads:
“This technology is useful for navigation in environments without GPS signals, consequently it will improve the navigation of US space vehicles in the face of current and emerging threats, since the quantum inertial sensors will be useful for navigation in space, especially between the earth and the moon. They also promise to expand the technological borders of travel and long -distance spatial exploration”.
As for laser communications, they are safer than traditional radio frequency systems thanks to their nature; In addition, they can transmit more information at the same time.
For this reason, during the next OTV-8 mission, the equipment on board the X-37B will lead laser communications tests that will involve commercial satellite networks in the low terrestrial orbit.
Strategic objectives
The head of the space operations, General Chance Saltzman, said:
“The demonstration of the laser communications of the OTV-8 will mark an important step in our ability to exploit the spatial networks existing as part of a diversified and redundant spatial architecture; in this way it will strengthen the resistance, reliability, adaptability and speed of data transport of our satellite communications”.
One of these “spatial networks” is probably Starlink, the huge mega-hospital in Spacex broadband, which currently has over 8,000 operational satellites in low earth orbit. Several of his competitors are in the initial phase of construction, including the Amazon Kuiper project, which has now launched 102 of the 3,200 satellites expected.
Previous missions and primates
As for the X-37B, it is launched which vertically on top of a rocket and then land on a track like an airplane. His first mission, 224 days long, dates back to 2010, while the longest was the OTV-6 which in 908 days of stay in space established the primacy of duration.
It has not been communicated we know how long OTV-8 will last, but it will be the third mission of the former-37b launched by a Spacex rocket. (Two employed Falcon 9 and one took off with a Falcon Heavy). The other five flew aboard the Atlas V rocket of the United Launch Alliance, who is now gradually replaced by the new Vulcan Centaur of the same company.
