U.S. Space Force to launch eighth X-37B mission on Falcon 9 with advanced technology tests

“OTV-8 exemplifies the X-37B’s status as the U.S. Space Force’s premier test platform for the critical space technologies of tomorrow. Through its mission-focused innovation, the X-37B continues to redefine the art of the possible in the final frontier of space,” said AFRCO Acting Director William Blauser.

Since its first launch in April 2010, the X-37B has accumulated 4,208 days in operation, demonstrating capabilities such as orbital trajectory changes using a novel aerobraking manoeuvre. Past missions have also tested space domain awareness technologies, trialled solar power transmission to Earth, and exposed seeds to space radiation to support long-term crewed missions to the Moon and beyond.

The spacecraft remains a dynamic and responsive platform for accelerating the development of critical next-generation technologies and operational concepts in reusable space systems.