US EditionAnother US military mini shuttle launches on a secret mission
- The U.S. Space Force launched the Boeing-built X-37B space plane on August 21 from NASA's Kennedy Space Center atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
- This eighth mission, USSF-36 or OTV-8, follows the vehicle's prior flights since 2010 and aims to test critical deep space technologies.
- The mission focuses on demonstrating a quantum inertial sensor that enables GPS-free navigation and an advanced laser communications system for heavier, more secure data transfers.
- The Falcon 9 first stage returned to Cape Canaveral's Landing Zone 2, producing a sonic boom heard across Brevard County, while the mission duration remains undisclosed.
- This launch contributes to a broader Space Force effort to enhance orbital system resilience and expand space domain capabilities amid a busy upcoming launch schedule.
119 Articles
119 Articles
Musk’s SpaceX launches secret military space shuttle
A United States military mini shuttle launched Thursday night to conduct unspecified experiments in space. SpaceX powered the launch from Cape Canaveral in Florida. Latest launch The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched the U.S. Air Force X-37B spaceplane into low Earth orbit. "As we continue to set the pace for space, I am incredibly proud of our team's professionalism and persistence supporting this launch,” Col. Brian Chatman, Space Launch Delta 4…
X-37B spaceplane launches for eighth experimental mission
The Space Force launched its X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle late last night for its eighth mission, sending the spaceplane to run a slate of experiments on next-generation technologies. The Boeing-made spaceplane will run tests on laser communications and “the highest-performing quantum inertial sensor ever tested in space,” according to a Space Force news release posted ahead of the launch. The X-37B launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Kenned…
Aspen Daily News
Boeing-Built X-37B Spaceplane Launches, Beginning Eighth Mission
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla., Aug. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Boeing [NYSE: BA]-built X 37B Orbital Test Vehicle launched today on its eighth mission, lifting off at 11:50PM ET aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Kennedy Space Center, Fla. The…
Pentagon launches secretive X-37B space plane for new mission
The Space Force launched the secretive X-37B orbital test vehicle Thursday night, kickstarting the space plane’s eighth mission. For the effort, dubbed OTV-8, the Boeing-made spacecraft is expected to conduct a wide range of tests and experiments focused on laser communication tech and quantum inertial sensors, according to officials. Thursday night’s launch was a success, according to Space Systems Command. “U.S. Space Force’s National Security…
SpaceX launches US Space Force’s reusable X-37B space plane on classified mission
Because of classified nature, SpaceX ended its live commentary after 1st stage landed and did not provide details about Falcon 9’s 2nd stage, release of Boeing-built X-37B, or its orbital path - Anadolu Ajansı
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