The space plane lifted off on top of an Atlas V rocket from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida at around 9.15am.
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The US Space Force launched the X-37B space plane on Sunday morning from Cape Canaveral, FloridaCredit: United Launch Alliance
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The launch was prevented twice on Saturday because of bad weatherCredit: United Launch Alliance
The newest military branch was set to launch the space plane on Saturday around 8.24am and again at 10.23am, but bad weather prevented the launch both times.
Space Force officials said the space plane launch is dedicated to those working on the front lines to combat the coronavirus.
“Our invincible American spirit drives us to motivate, collaborate, and innovate together to overcome adversity,” Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett said in a statement.
“In dedicating this mission to the nation’s healthcare workers, first responders, and essential personnel, the Department celebrates those who are keeping America Strong.”
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The launch was the second mission for the Space ForceCredit: United Launch Alliance
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The space plane launch was dedicated to those fighting the coronavirus pandemic on the front linesCredit: United Launch Alliance
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The plane will lifted off from an Atlas V rocket in Cape Canaveral, FloridaCredit: AP:Associated Press
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The mission’s tagline is ‘America Strong’Credit: AP:Associated Press
John Raymond, chief general of the Space Force, said: “The US Space Force and United Launch Alliance salute each American serving on the frontlines in our fight against COVID-19.”
“We are proud to dedicate the upcoming launch of USSF-7 to showcase American resolve and national unity during these challenging times.”
It’s unclear what is aboard the plane, but officials have said it’s carrying a satellite built by Air Force cadets.
Sunday’s scheduled mission was the sixth for the X-37B, but the second mission for the Space Force.
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The plane launch was delayed on Saturday because of bad weatherCredit: United Launch Alliance
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An Atlas V rocket pictured at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on SaturdayCredit: United Launch Alliance
The Space Force was officially established in December and is the first new military service since the Air Force launched in 1947.
The 16,000 airmen and civilians that make up the Space Force are technically part of the Air Force — which previously oversaw offensive operations in space.
But President Donald Trump has made it clear he sees the newest service as critical to the future of American defense.
On Friday, the Space Force’s flag was unveiled in the Oval Office.
It’s dark blue and white and includes elements intended to portray how vast outer space is.
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President Donald Trump and military leaders unveiled the US Space Force flag during an Oval Office event on FridayCredit: Reuters
Trump said during the event in the White House that the US is building a “super-duper missile” that can travel “17 times faster than what we have right now.”
He signed a proclamation denoting Armed Forces Day alongside military leaders.
Trump held a ceremony where the flag was unfurled, signing a proclamation denoting Armed Forces Day alongside military leaders.
The flag was presented by senior military officials, including Roger Towberman, chief master sergeant in the Space Force, and Raymond, who explained the significance behind the flag’s design.
Raymond explained: “The delta in the middle, that’s the symbol that space communities use for years and years and years.”
“The North Star signifies our core value, our guiding light, if you will.”
Donald Trump boasts Space Force has ‘incredible weapons’ such as ‘super duper missile’ that’s 17 TIMES faster than current technology
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“And the orbit around the globe signifies the space cape colors that fuel our American way of life.”
Trump went on to say space is going to be the future, “both in terms of defense and offense and so many other things.”
He claimed that “already from what I’m hearing and based on reports, we’re now the leader in space.”