Latest news with #X-37BOrbitalTestVehicle
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Science
- Newsweek
Full List of US's Secretive Space Plane Missions
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The United States is set to launch one of its secretive space planes later this month, as the Pentagon races to maintain its space dominance while its adversaries rapidly close the gap. The spacecraft, known as the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV), is a dynamic space platform dedicated to technology experimentation, with every mission providing continuous opportunities for learning, a Department of the Air Force spokesperson told Newsweek. By testing new technologies in orbit, the X-37B helps the U.S. better protect its interests in space and be prepared to fight and win if adversaries Russia and China choose to engage in conflict, Hudson Institute senior fellow Rebeccah L. Heinrichs said. Newsweek reached out to the Russian and Chinese foreign ministries for comment via email. Why It Matters Russia and China, quasi-allies under their "no limits" strategic partnership, have developed technologies that could threaten the U.S.'s interests in space, including satellites designed to disrupt or damage orbital assets and, reportedly, a space-based nuclear weapon. In its defense space strategy, the U.S. describes both adversaries as the "greatest strategic threats" as they develop, test, and deploy counterspace capabilities. In response to these challenges, the Space Force was established during the first Trump administration in 2019. What Is X-37B? The United States X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle-6 (OTV-6) lands at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida on November 12, 2022. The United States X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle-6 (OTV-6) lands at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida on November 12, 2022. U.S. Space Force The X-37B, which resembles the retired space shuttles, is an experimental test program designed to demonstrate technologies for a reliable, reusable, unmanned space platform. Boeing has built two spacecraft, each measuring 29 feet long and weighing 11,000 pounds. Since its first launch in 2010, the fleet has traveled more than 1.3 billion miles and spent over 4,000 days in orbit across seven missions, with the longest mission lasting 908 days. The Pentagon has rarely disclosed details of each X-37B mission, particularly the payloads, as it has been intentional about keeping those concealed since its inception, Heinrichs said. Previous X-37B Missions Mission 7 End Date: March 7, 2025 On-orbit: 434 days Objectives: Operating in new orbital regimes, experimenting with space domain awareness technologies, and investigating radiation effects on NASA materials Mission 6 End Date: November 12, 2022 On-orbit: 908 days Objectives: Using a service module to host experiments, deploying a small satellite, studying the results of radiation and other space effects on a materials sample plate and seeds used to grow food, and transforming solar power into radio frequency microwave energy The United States X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle waits in the encapsulation cell of the Evolved Expendable Launch vehicle at the Astrotech facility in Titusville, Florida, on April 5, 2010. The United States X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle waits in the encapsulation cell of the Evolved Expendable Launch vehicle at the Astrotech facility in Titusville, Florida, on April 5, 2010. Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs Mission 5 End Date: October 27, 2019 On-orbit: 780 days Objectives: Hosting experiments and deploying small satellites Mission 4 End Date: May 7, 2017 On-orbit: 718 days Objectives: Gathering data to support scientific and space communities Mission 3 End Date: October 17, 2014 On-orbit: 674 days Objectives: Evaluating and understanding the vehicle's performance characteristics Mission 2 End Date: June 16, 2012 On-orbit: 469 days Objectives: Testing the vehicle's design and additional capabilities Mission 1 End Date: December 3, 2010 On-orbit: 224 days Objectives: Inaugural mission, demonstrating that unmanned space vehicles can be sent into orbit and safely recovered The Upcoming Mission In partnership with the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, the eighth X-37B mission, or OTV-8, is scheduled to launch from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, on August 21, the Space Force announced. The spacecraft will be carried aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The mission will include operational demonstrations and experiments comprising what the Space Force described in a press release as "next-generation technologies," including laser communications and the highest-performing quantum inertial sensor ever tested in space. Laser communication technologies help enhance the resilience of America's civil and national security space architectures by providing "faster, more reliable, and more resilient" space data transmission capabilities, the Department of the Air Force spokesperson said. The quantum inertial sensor will enable accurate unaided navigation in space by detecting the rotation and acceleration of atoms without relying on satellites like traditional GPS. The Space Force said this technology is useful for navigation in "GPS-denied environments" and, consequently, will enhance the navigational resilience of U.S. spacecraft in the face of current and emerging threats, as well as advance long-distance space travel and exploration. The United States X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle-4 (OTV-4) is seen at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida on May 7, 2017. The United States X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle-4 (OTV-4) is seen at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida on May 7, 2017. U.S. Air Force What People Are Saying A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of the Air Force told Newsweek: "The array of lessons learned through each iterative mission deepen resilience and adaptability of X-37B while enabling the maturation of tools and technology promoting United States resilience in space." Rebeccah L. Heinrichs, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, told Newsweek: "Russia and China's partnership to advance key technologies goes all the way to space. They have weaponized the space domain, in spite of the United States encouraging nations to use space for peaceful purposes." What Happens Next It will be fascinating to see if the U.S. will reveal aspects of the X-37B program to signal to Russia and China what it is capable of with the intent of bolstering deterrence and if any of the technologies the program has helped develop may be leveraged for the Golden Dome missile defense shield, which would mark the first time the U.S. deploys weapons in space, according to Heinrichs.
Axios
30-07-2025
- Science
- Axios
Secretive Boeing spaceplane set for eighth mission
The U.S. Space Force will experiment with laser communications and quantum sensing aboard a secretive Boeing-made spaceplane slated for launch this summer. Why it matters: Much of the work executed by the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle is classified. A single photo of the Earth from space taken by an onboard camera caused a defense-media frenzy in February. Driving the news: Boeing on Monday announced the timing and purpose of the X-37B's eighth mission, which comes less than six months after its seventh. The launch, from Florida's Space Coast, is expected no sooner than Aug. 21. The Air Force Research Laboratory and Defense Innovation Unit were named partners. What they're saying: "With each successive flight, the X-37B has demonstrated adaptability and flexibility by hosting diverse experiments and pioneering new orbital regimes," Michelle Parker, vice president of Boeing Space Mission Systems, said in a statement. Laser communications allow for larger, more secure transfers of information. Quantum inertial sensing could prove useful in places rife with electronic warfare, or where GPS is unavailable. Catch up quick: The spaceplane first launched in 2010. Since then, it's spent more than 4,200 days in space.
WIRED
29-07-2025
- Science
- WIRED
A Secretive US Space Plane Will Soon Test Quantum Navigation Technology
Eric Berger, Ars Technica Jul 29, 2025 10:30 AM The space plane's test flight will advance development of a new navigation technology based on electromagnetic wave interference. The US Air Force X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle being encapsulated before a launch. Photograph: DOD/Getty Images The X-37B, the US Space Force's secretive space plane, will soon take flight again. On Monday, the Space Force announced that it will fly the small, Space Shuttle–shaped vehicle on the program's eighth mission next month. The launch of the vehicle, on a Falcon 9 rocket, is scheduled to occur no earlier than August 21 from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. There are two active X-37Bs in the Space Force fleet, both built by Boeing. The first made its debut flight in April 2010. Since then, the two uncrewed spacecraft have made a succession of longer flights. The first made its longest and latest flight from 2020 to 2022 over a span of 908 days. The second flew more recently, landing at Vandenberg Space Force Base on March 7 after 434 days in orbit. It's likely that the first of these two vehicles, both of which are about 29 feet (9 meters) long and roughly one-quarter the length of one of NASA's Space Shuttle orbiters, will launch next month. Some Details About the Upcoming Flight Over the past decade and a half, the Space Force has largely remained silent about the purpose of this space plane, flying classified payloads and providing only limited information about the purpose of each flight. However, for this flight, OTV-8, the military has provided a bit more detail about its intentions. The vehicle will fly with a service module that will expand its capacity for experiments, allowing the space plane to host payload for the Air Force Research Laboratory and the Defense Innovation Unit. The mission's goals include tests of 'high-bandwidth inter-satellite laser communications technologies.' 'OTV-8's laser communications demonstration will mark an important step in the US Space Force's ability to leverage commercial space networks as part of proliferated, diversified, and redundant space architectures,' said General Chance Saltzman, US Space Force chief of space operations, in a statement. 'In so doing, it will strengthen the resilience, reliability, adaptability, and data transport speeds of our satellite communications architectures.' Navigating in a World Without GPS The space plane will also advance the development of a new navigation technology based on electromagnetic wave interference. The Space Force news release characterizes this as the 'highest-performing quantum inertial sensor ever tested in space.' Boeing has previously tested a quantum inertial measurement unit, which detects rotation and acceleration using atom interferometry, on conventional aircraft. Now, an advanced version of the technology is being taken to space to demonstrate its viability. The goal of the in-space test is to demonstrate precise positioning, navigation, and timing in an environment where GPS services are not available. 'Bottom line: Testing this tech will be helpful for navigation in contested environments where GPS may be degraded or denied,' Saltzman said in a social media post Monday, describing the flight. Quantum inertial sensors could also be used near the moon, where there is no comparable GPS capability, or for exploration further into the solar system. Notably, the small X-37B is back to launching on a medium-lift rocket with this new mission. During its most recent flight that ended in March, the space plane launched on a Falcon Heavy rocket for the first time. This allowed the X-37B to fly beyond low Earth orbit and reach an elliptical high Earth orbit. This story originally appeared on Ars Technica.
Yahoo
29-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Boeing-built X-37B spaceplane set for eighth mission
The Boeing (BA)-built X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle s preparing to launch its eighth mission from Florida's Space Coast, with liftoff scheduled no earlier than August 21. This milestone comes less than six months after the successful completion of OTV-7, Boeing said. 'With each successive flight, the X-37B has demonstrated adaptability and flexibility by hosting diverse experiments and pioneering new orbital regimes,' said Michelle Parker, vice president of Boeing Space Mission Systems. 'This mission continues that legacy by fielding cutting-edge technologies that advance our nation's space capability and improve the resilience of future architectures.' Elevate Your Investing Strategy: Take advantage of TipRanks Premium at 50% off! Unlock powerful investing tools, advanced data, and expert analyst insights to help you invest with confidence. Published first on TheFly – the ultimate source for real-time, market-moving breaking financial news. Try Now>> See today's best-performing stocks on TipRanks >> Read More on BA: Disclaimer & DisclosureReport an Issue Boeing (BA) Is About to Report Q2 Earnings. Here's What to Expect U.S. executives to visit China this week, Reuters reports Bangladesh ordered 25 Boeing planes in effort to lower tariffs, Reuters says Boeing prepares for strike at St. Louis defense hub, Bloomberg says Trump Trade: Trump sees '50/50′ chance of making trade deal with EU
Malaysian Reserve
28-07-2025
- Science
- Malaysian Reserve
Boeing-Built X-37B Spaceplane Set for Eighth Mission
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla., July 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Boeing [NYSE: BA]-built X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV) is preparing to launch its eighth mission (OTV-8) from Florida's Space Coast, with liftoff scheduled no earlier than August 21. This milestone comes less than six months after the successful completion of OTV-7. 'With each successive flight, the X-37B has demonstrated adaptability and flexibility by hosting diverse experiments and pioneering new orbital regimes,' said Michelle Parker, vice president of Boeing Space Mission Systems. 'This mission continues that legacy by fielding cutting-edge technologies that advance our nation's space capability and improve the resilience of future architectures.' OTV-8 will fly with a service module, expanding capacity for experiments and opening new opportunities for mission partners, which include the Air Force Research Laboratory and the Defense Innovation Unit. The mission will host demonstrations of high-bandwidth inter-satellite laser communications technologies, as well as the highest performing quantum inertial sensor ever tested in space. The U.S. Space Force will leverage insights from this mission to inform future space architectures. 'OTV-8's laser communications demonstration will mark an important step in the U.S. Space Force's ability to leverage commercial space networks as part of proliferated, diversified, and redundant space architectures,' said U.S. Space Force Chief of Space Operations, Gen. Chance Saltzman. 'In so doing, it will strengthen the resilience, reliability, adaptability, and data transport speeds of our satellite communications architectures.' The revolutionary quantum inertial sensor will demonstrate precise positioning, navigation and timing in a GPS-denied environment. Quantum inertial sensors, useful for navigation in deep and cis-lunar space, promise to push the technological frontiers of long-distance space travel and exploration. 'OTV 8's quantum inertial sensor demonstration is a welcome step forward for the operational resilience of Guardians in space,' said Space Delta 9 Commander Colonel Ramsey Hom. 'Whether navigating beyond Earth-based orbits in cis-lunar space or operating in GPS-denied environments, quantum inertial sensing allows for robust navigation capabilities where GPS navigation is not possible. Ultimately, this technology contributes significantly to our thrust within the Fifth Space Operations Squadron and across the Space Force guaranteeing movement and maneuverability even in GPS-denied environments.' Boeing and Space Force teams are preparing the spaceplane for launch at Boeing's facility at Kennedy Space Center, Florida. Since its inaugural launch in April 2010, the spaceplane has spent more than 4,200 days in space. A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity. Contact Zeyad MaasaraniBoeing Communications+ Boeing Media Relationsmedia@
