Boeing's X-37B Spaceplane Embarks on Eighth Mission with New Payload Capacity

The Boeing-built X-37B spaceplane has launched on its eighth mission, lifting off aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Kennedy Space Center. The vehicle is healthy on orbit and proceeding with standard checkout. This mission includes a Boeing integrated service module to increase payload capacity for experimentation activities on orbit. The X-37B is hosting several technology demonstrations from government partners, including laser communications and a quantum inertial sensor.

The Boeing-built X-37B spaceplane successfully launched on its eighth mission aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center on August 22, 2025. The launch occurred at 11:50 PM ET, marking the continuation of the U.S. Space Force's mysterious orbital test vehicle (OTV) series [1].

The X-37B, a government-industry partnership between Boeing, the U.S. Air Force, and the U.S. Space Force, is designed to serve as a testbed for various technologies in low Earth orbit. This mission, known as OTV-8, features a new Boeing integrated service module to enhance payload capacity, facilitating experimentation activities on orbit [2].

Among the technology demonstrations scheduled for OTV-8 are laser communications and a quantum inertial sensor. The quantum inertial sensor, which uses principles of quantum mechanics to gauge spacecraft acceleration, rotation, and velocity, is expected to enhance navigational resilience in GPS-denied environments. Additionally, laser communications tests will be conducted involving proliferated commercial satellite networks in low Earth orbit, aiming to strengthen the U.S. Space Force's satellite communications architecture [1].

The X-37B, which resembles a miniature version of NASA's retired space shuttle orbiters, has completed seven successful missions since 2010, accumulating over 4,200 days in space. The vehicle's most recent mission, OTV-7, ended on March 7, 2025, after 434 days in orbit [2].

This mission is the third to launch on a SpaceX rocket, with the other five missions utilizing United Launch Alliance's Atlas V. The Space Force's decision to use SpaceX rockets for these missions underscores the growing importance of commercial space capabilities in U.S. military operations [1].

References:

[1] https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/spacex-launches-space-forces-x-37b-space-plane-on-8th-mystery-mission
[2] https://www.stocktitan.net/news/BA/boeing-built-x-37b-spaceplane-launches-beginning-eighth-a6g7pc90fd9m.html