The United States Space Force (USSF) has successfully launched its latest mission, dubbed USSF-36, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The launch, which occurred on August 22, marked the eighth operational flight for the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle program.
The USSF confirmed separation of the Boeing-built spacecraft at 11:50 p.m. EDT following liftoff at midnight. This mission is part of a two-mission order year (OY2) contract with SpaceX, which also includes the NROL-69 mission launched on March 24, 2025.
According to USSF officials, the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle will demonstrate laser communication and quantum navigation capabilities in Low Earth Orbit. The high-bandwidth inter-satellite laser communications technology will interact with commercial satellite networks, while the quantum inertial sensor will enable unaided navigation in areas where GPS is compromised.
“This mission exemplifies the X-37B’s status as our premier test platform for critical space technologies,” said Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office Acting Director William Blauser. “Through its mission-focused innovation, the X-37B continues to redefine the art of the possible in space.”
The USSF aims to leverage proliferated space networks to strengthen the resilience and reliability of satellite communications architectures. The demonstration is an important step towards operational resilience in space.
SpaceX has successfully completed six flights with the Falcon 9 booster and has received $179.7 million for the launches of both missions as part of its National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 2 contract.
Source: https://spaceflightnow.com/2025/08/22/spacex-launches-space-forces-x-37b-spaceplane-to-demo-laser-communications-quantum-navigation