X-37B is a secret military space plane. Pictures show what it looks like before, after launch
Aside from the "ooh, ahh" factor of a launch virtually morning, noon or night − with a few that happen during typical bedtime hours − the rocket launches have specific missions for SpaceX, NASA and United Launch Alliance.
Occasionally, there's a "secretive" mission from the U.S. Space Force.
The military space plane, the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle, is poised to launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center near Cape Canaveral no earlier than 11:40 p.m. ET Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025. SpaceX and the Space Force haven't revealed an exact launch time, but a Federal Aviation Administration advisory suggests the launch window runs until 5:11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 22.
Everything to know about X-37B: What's on board the secret Space Force space plane?
Should it be needed, an additional launch window is listed as opening midnight Saturday, Aug. 23.
What is the X-37B? How does Space Force secretive military plane launch into space?
Built by Boeing, the X-37B military space plane resembles a mini space shuttle and has previously gotten a ride to space in a ULA Atlas V rocket and SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral. The X-37B also has launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Southern California.
How does it get to space? Nestled in the "top" of the rockets, the photo below shows how the uncrewed space plane gets a lift into orbit. Keep scrolling for an explanation on the scientific maneuver.
Is there a launch today? Upcoming NASA, SpaceX, ULA rocket launch schedule at Cape Canaveral
Photos of X-37B, Space Force's secretive military space plane
Does the Space Force X-37B secret military plane carry humans? What's on board X-37B?
The X-37B does not carry humans – only Space Force experiments aimed at pushing American space technology.
The uncrewed X-37B resembles a NASA space shuttle, but it's launched differently. Instead of being mounted onto boosters like the space shuttle, the X-37B is launched as a payload atop a rocket, encased inside protective fairing covers (see photos above).
Those fairing covers are shed after liftoff, and the X-37B orbits around the Earth like a mini space shuttle. According to Boeing, the X-37B is about one-fourth the size of the space shuttle.
Upon returning to Earth, the X-37B glides onto a runway for a landing similar to a regular aircraft rather than a splashdown.
Having it glide onto the runway allows the spacecraft to be ready for flight much sooner than if it were to splashdown. Boeing's website states that the autonomous re-entry capability of the X-37B allows for not just a smooth returns to Earth, but a fast refurbishment and turn-around time for its next flight.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Photos of US Space Force X-37B, the secretive military space plane
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