SpaceX readies rocket to launch secret space mission

Elon Musk's rocket company Space X is set to launch its Falcon 9 rocket amidst the looming threat of a hurricane in Florida. The mysterious space plane called X-37B will be launched in orbit from NASA's Kennedy Space Centre. The launch of X-37B is a momentous one for Space X as it's the second time they're launching a national security payload. It's also the first time the company is launching the Boeing-built X-37B. 

This will be the fifth flight of the X-37B, but the details of the mission are unclear. The X-37B is going to a higher inclination orbit than usual but the X-37B's main mission is classified and is being fiercely guarded. 

What's also unclear how long the X-37B will remain in orbit. It stayed in orbit for nearly two years on its last trip to space before it landed at Kennedy Space Centre in May. It's extremely possible that the X-37B could come down back to Earth a few years later. 

Although much is dependent on the weather as Hurricane Irma is expected to be around at the time of the launch. Though officials remain confident that it won't pose any threat to the mission. There's a backup launch date available on Friday. However, weather conditions are expected to take a turn for the worse by then.

As mentioned, this will be the fifth flight of the Air Force's X-37B program. The robotic mini-shuttle, also called the Orbital Test Vehicle, launched four previous times on United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rockets.