Boeing X-37B Spaceplane launches on eighth mission

Above: The X-37B launched from Kennedy Space Center, Florida on 21st August at 11:50 pm ET aboard a Falcon 9 rocket, commencing its eighth mission.
Courtesy SpaceX

Less than six months after completing its seventh mission with a landing at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, on 7th March 2025, the spaceplane is back in space. This mission includes a Boeing integrated service module to increase payload capacity for experimentation activities on orbit.

"Our role is to make sure the spaceplane is the most reliable testbed it can be," said Michelle Parker, vice president of Boeing Space Mission Systems. "None of this happens without teamwork. Launch is the starting line for this mission but the work that follows –the quiet, methodical work on orbit, analysis and eventual return is where progress is earned."

The X-37B is hosting several technology demonstrations from government partners on this mission, include laser communications and a quantum inertial sensor designed to support navigation when GPS is unavailable. On its previous mission, the vehicle executed a first of its kind aerobraking manoeuvre to change orbits while conserving propellant.

"Having a returnable space platform allows us to learn faster," said Col. Brian Chatman, installation commander for Space Launch Delta 45. "The data we gather from the X-37B speeds decisions, hardens our architectures and helps Guardians stay connected and on course even in contested environments. This is how we move from promising ideas to fieldable capability at pace."

The X 37B is a government–industry partnership led by the US Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, with the US Space Force overseeing operations. Boeing teams primarily based in Seal Beach, California and Kennedy Space Center, Florida, design, build, integrate and operate the reusable spaceplane. Since first flight in 2010, the orbital test vehicle has completed seven missions and accumulated more than 4,200 days in space, returning after each flight for inspection and augmentation.

Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defence products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries.