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4w ago

Space Force’s X-37B Spaceplane Scheduled to Launch August 21 on Falcon 9

The mission introduces groundbreaking quantum inertial sensing for GPS-denied navigation with laser communication experiments to fortify orbital data networks.

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X-37B orbital test vehicle prepares for mission eight. (Image credit: U.S. Space Force)
© U.S. Space Force

Overview

  • The OTV-8 mission is set to lift off on August 21 from Kennedy Space Center aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket under the designation USSF-36.
  • It will carry the world’s highest-performing quantum inertial sensor ever flown in space to enable precise navigation without relying on GPS signals.
  • A laser communications demonstration will test secure, high-bandwidth infrared links with proliferated commercial satellites in low Earth orbit.
  • Payloads are being developed in collaboration with the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, Air Force Research Laboratory and Defense Innovation Unit.
  • Since 2010 the X-37B has accumulated over 4,000 days in orbit across seven missions, including OTV-7’s 434-day flight that featured the first aerobraking maneuvers.