"Coincidental Launch: SpaceX's Starlink Satellites and Chinese Space Plane to Share the Skies"

Chief of Space Operations Gen. B. Chance Saltzman suggests that the future of the Space Force's X-37B space plane is brighter than ever due to the Pentagon's competition with China. Saltzman believes it is "probably no coincidence" that China's own space plane may launch around the same time as the X-37B. Despite multiple delays, Saltzman expresses confidence in the X-37B's mission and hints at operating it at a higher orbit than ever before. He also mentions the importance of testing technologies and the effects of long-term space exposure. Saltzman believes that the competition between the two countries has worked to their advantage and expects the necessary funding to keep the program going.