US EditionSpaceX Launches Space Force Spaceplane X-37B
The eighth X-37B mission will test high-bandwidth laser communications and advanced quantum inertial sensors to enhance U.S. Space Force's space technology capabilities.
- SpaceX is set to send the Boeing-manufactured X-37B spaceplane into orbit on its eighth USSF-36 mission, with liftoff scheduled for August 21 at 11:50 p.m. EDT from Kennedy Space Center.
- The launch follows seven prior X-37B missions accumulating 4,208 days in orbit and aims to demonstrate quantum inertial sensing for navigation beyond GPS.
- The mission will include a laser communications experiment to advance Space Force satellite network resilience alongside improvements to power systems and thermal protection.
- SpaceX will reuse a Falcon 9 booster for its sixth flight, landing it at Landing Zone 2, while residents near launch may hear sonic booms as warned in an advisory.
- A backup launch opportunity exists on August 22 if needed, and the mission's technologies could enhance space operational resilience and navigation in GPS-denied environments.
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Malay Mail
AlKhaleej TodaySpaceX launches US military’s secretive X-37B space drone on eighth mission
WASHINGTON, Aug 22 — A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will blast into space yesterday night carrying the US military’s secretive X-37B drone on its eighth mission.The rocket is due to launch at 11:50 pm (0450 GMT on Friday), according to SpaceX, which said a backup window is available at the same time the following day.The US Space Force has said the drone’s mission will include “a wide range of test and experimentation objectives.”“These operational de…
Live coverage: SpaceX to launch X-37B military spaceplane on Falcon 9 rocket from the Kennedy Space Center – Spaceflight Now
The X-37B on the runway at Vandenberg Space Force Base following its landing there on March 7, 2025. Image: U.S. Space Force. Update Aug. 20, 12:56 p.m. EDT: Added additional information from the 45th Weather Squadron. The U.S. Space Force and SpaceX are preparing to launch the Boeing-built X-37B spaceplane on its eighth mission shortly before midnight on Thursday. The winged spacecraft, flying under the mission names USSF-36 and Orbital Test Ve…
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