Falcon 9 Block 5 | OTV-8 (X-37B) (USSF-36)
Launch Successful
L - -- : -- : -- : --
Launch Window
Aug. 22, 2025, 3:40 a.m. - Aug. 22, 2025, 7:40 a.m.
Aug. 22, 2025, 3:40 a.m. - Aug. 22, 2025, 7:40 a.m.
Eighth flight of the X-37B program. The X-37B is a dynamic and responsive spacecraft responsible for conducting a range of tests and experiments that expedite the development of critical next-generation technologies and operational concepts for reusable space capabilities. The OTV-8 mission in Low Earth Orbit includes operational demonstrations and experiments of next-generation technologies, including laser communications and the highest performing strategic grade quantum inertial sensor ever tested in space. Mission partners include the Air Force Research Lab and the Defense Innovation Unit, respectively.
Launch trajectory and telemetry simulations provided by Flight Club - a rocket launch simulator and orbital trajectory visualiser for all things space!
NET August 21.
Added tentative launch window.
Refined launch window.
GO for launch.
Updated launch weather, 65% GO at start of window (80% GO at end).
Falcon 9 is a two-stage rocket designed and manufactured by SpaceX for the reliable and safe transport of satellites and the Dragon spacecraft into orbit. The Block 5 variant is the fifth major interval aimed at improving upon the ability for rapid reusability.
See DetailsThe Falcon 9 first stage B1092 has landed back at the launch site at Landing Zone 2 (LZ-2) after its 6th flight.
Result: Successful Return to Launch Site landing at Landing Zone 2.First X-37B. First flight on April 22, 2010.
X-37B DetailsSpace Exploration Technologies Corp., known as SpaceX, is an American aerospace manufacturer and space transport services company headquartered in Hawthorne, California. It was founded in 2002 by entrepreneur Elon Musk with the goal of reducing space transportation costs and enabling the colonization of Mars. SpaceX operates from many pads, on the East Coast of the US they operate from SLC-40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and historic LC-39A at Kennedy Space Center. They also operate from SLC-4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, usually for polar launches. Another launch site is being developed at Boca Chica, Texas.
INFO WIKI
"Testing this tech will be helpful for navigation in contested environments."
A pair of Russian space missions, a trio of Falcon 9 launches, and the long-awaited… The post Launch Roundup: Falcon 9, Starship, and Russia flying this week appeared first on NASASpaceFlight.com.
Starlink Doubles Up, ISS Gets A New Booster, X-37B Returns, and Starship is GO For Launch This Week
A Chinese rocket, a pair of Russian missions, a trio of Falcon 9 launches, and… The post Launch Roundup: SpaceX, Chinese, and Russian missions make up busy week appeared first on NASASpaceFlight.com.
This will be the eighth flight of the X-37B and the third time that it will launched by SpaceX. The Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to liftoff from Launch Complex 39A at 11:50 p.m. EDT (0350 UTC).
Officially described as "Satellite-Internet Technology Demonstration Satellites". Probably 4 test satellites for the Chinese state-owned LEO commu…
A batch of 24 satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX's project for space-based Internet communication system.
Amazon Leo, formerly known as Project Kuiper, is a mega constellation of satellites in Low Earth Orbit that will offer broadband internet access, thi…
A batch of 29 satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX's project for space-based Internet communication system.
Chinese classified satellite claimed to be for communication technology test purposes. Actual mission not known.
A batch of 24 satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX's project for space-based Internet communication system.
A batch of 29 satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX's project for space-based Internet communication system.
Shenzhou 23 will be the 23rd flight of the Shenzhou program.
12th test flight of the two-stage Starship launch vehicle. Maiden Flight of Starship V3. The flight test’s primary goal will be to demonstrate eac…
Synthetic aperture radar satellite for Japanese Earth imaging company Synspective.
View in Flightclub