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The US Space Force has confirmed the seventh successful launch of the Boeing-built X-37B autonomous spaceplane to support the USSF’s knowledge of the space environment by experimenting with future space domain awareness technologies.
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Lifting off from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, the orbital test vehicle will validate new technologies, fostering innovation, and pushing the boundaries of space exploration and utility.
On this seventh flight, the X-37B will test future space domain awareness technology experiments that are integral in ensuring safe, stable, and secure operations in space for all users of the domain.
William Bailey, director, Department of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, welcomed the successful launch, saying, “The X-37B government and Boeing teams have worked together to produce a more responsive, flexible, and adaptive experimentation platform.
“The work they’ve done to streamline processes and adapt evolving technologies will help our nation learn a tremendous amount about operating in and returning from a space environment,” Bailey added.
Since its inaugural launch in April 2010, the X-37B has consistently set new endurance records, surpassing the initial design mission duration of 270 days. Its sixth mission set a new record with an impressive 908-day journey before returning to Earth in November 2022.
Michelle Parker, Space Mission Systems vice-president at Boeing Defense, Space & Security, said, “The technological advancements we’re driving on X-37B will benefit the broader space community, especially as we see increased interest in space sustainability.”
The X-37B, which will now build on its more than 1.3 billion miles travelled during its 3,774 days in space, exemplifies the successful partnership between the Department of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office and the United States Space Force.
Boeing teams deliver program management, engineering, production, test and mission support.
“We are pushing innovation and capability that will influence the next generation of spacecraft,” Parker added.
In 2019, the X-37B was awarded the Robert J. Collier Trophy for advancing the performance, efficiency, and safety of air and space vehicles.
Boeing describes the X-37B as “one of the world’s newest and most advanced re-entry spacecraft, designed to operate in low-Earth orbit, 150 to 500 miles above the Earth”.
This vehicle is the first since the Space Shuttle with the ability to return experiments to Earth for further inspection and analysis. This US Air Force and US Space Force unmanned space vehicle explores reusable vehicle technologies that support long-term space objectives.
The X-37B has a lifting body-style and landing profile that is similar to the Space Shuttle, but the vehicle is one-fourth the size. The X-37B design combines the best of aircraft and spacecraft into an affordable system that is easy to operate and maintain.
The on-orbit duration of the X-37B will vary based on flight requirements but has the ability to perform flights lasting up to 270 days.
