A brand new sight took to the skies over property in Florida this week with the first ever launch of the US Air Force’s X-37B space plane.

The plane needed a helping hand making it to orbit, with an Atlas V expendable launch vehicle used to carry it into space, a rocket that usually breaks free of the Earth’s gravity using solid motors.

Lieutenant colonel Erik Bowman, 45th Launch Support Squadron commander, says: "This vehicle is light enough to launch without the solid rocket motors … making this a rather unique configuration."

The rocket blasted off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, a major landmark for the area and employer of 10,000 people who live in property in Florida and the surrounding area.

While its work involves sending objects into space, the air force base is also committed to preserving the Earth for future generations, with staff required to respect and protect plantlife and wildlife on its 16,000-acre site.

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