The upcoming seventh mission of the U.S. Air Force X-37B spaceplane, known as Orbital Test Vehicle 7, is set to launch on December 7 using a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from Kennedy Space Center. The spaceplane is operated by the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office and the U.S. Space Force. The mission aims to push the boundaries of the reusable capabilities. Tests during this mission will include operating the spaceplane in new orbital regimes, experimenting with space domain awareness technologies, and studying the radiation effects on materials provided by NASA.

As space activities become more advanced and interconnected, the need for robust cybersecurity measures is crucial to protect against potential threats, including cyber-attacks on satellite systems and interference with space operations. The increasing transparency around the X-37B program, which was very secretive, may also be indicative of a broader shift toward openness in space endeavors, necessitating vigilant cybersecurity practices to prevent unauthorized access and control over critical space infrastructure.

Source: https://spacenews.com/u-s-air-force-x-37b-spaceplane-to-launch-on-a-spacex-falcon-heavy-rocket/