US Air Force Launches X-37B Plane for Sixth Secretive Mission

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket lifts off from Launch Complex 41 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on May 17, 2020, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The mission's primary payload is the X-37B spaceplane. John Raoux/AP Photo

The U.S. Air Force launched its high-tech reusable drone X-37B, also known as an Orbital Test Vehicle, from Cape Canaveral in Florida on May 17 for its sixth mission in space.

The solar-powered X-37B spacecraft, which is operated by remote control, lifted off following a 24-hour delay due to poor weather.