The US Space Force has launched its latest X-37B space plane, designated as OTV-8, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The robotic space plane lifted off on August 21 at 11:50 p.m. EDT and separated from the upper stage of the rocket shortly after landing on Earth 8.5 minutes later. The X-37B is now en route to low Earth orbit, where it will conduct various tests and operations.
According to a statement released by the Space Force in July, OTV-8 is equipped with “next-generation technologies including laser communications and the highest-performing quantum inertial sensor ever tested in space.” These payloads are classified, but they include advancements in navigation, communication, and exploration capabilities.
Laser-based communications will be demonstrated during the mission, using proliferated commercial satellite networks such as SpaceX’s Starlink. This will help strengthen the US Space Force’s ability to leverage diversified and redundant space architectures, enhancing national security and American space superiority.
The X-37B has flown several previous missions, including OTV-7, which launched in December 2023 and landed on March 7 of this year. The duration and objectives of the upcoming OTV-8 mission remain classified.
This is the third X-37B mission to launch on a SpaceX rocket, following two Falcon 9 launches.
Source: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/spacex-launches-space-forces-x-37b-space-plane-on-8th-mystery-mission