X-37B

SpaceX launches Space Force’s X-37B spaceplane to demo laser communications, quantum navigation

August 22, 2025 Will Robinson-Smith

The uncrewed spacecraft will operate in low Earth orbit for an unspecified amount of time. This is the eighth launch of an X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle since its first flight in 2010.

Launch preview: SpaceX to launch X-37B military spaceplane on Falcon 9 rocket from the Kennedy Space Center

August 20, 2025 Will Robinson-Smith

This will be the eighth flight of the X-37B and the third time that it will be launched by SpaceX. The Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to liftoff from Launch Complex 39A at 11:50 p.m. EDT (0350 UTC).

U.S. Air Force’s X-37B spaceplane lands following 434-day orbital mission

March 7, 2025 Will Robinson-Smith

The secretive winged spacecraft launched on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket on Dec. 29, 2023 to conduct a classified mission. The landing concludes the seventh flight of the Boeing-built spacecraft since 2010.

SpaceX launches Falcon Heavy rocket, X-37B military spaceplane

December 28, 2023 Will Robinson-Smith

SpaceX launched the X-37B military spaceplane onboard its Falcon Heavy rocket late Thursday night. Liftoff of the USSF-52 mission from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center occurred 8:07 p.m. EST (0107 UTC) on Thursday at the opening of a ten-minute launch window.

Falcon Heavy launch of secretive X-37B military spaceplane on hold

December 11, 2023 Will Robinson-Smith

Falcon Heavy is returning to the hangar and the launch of the USSF-52 mission with the X-37B spaceplane is on hold. A ground issue scrubbed an earlier launch attempt and now required work on the vehicle itself.

SpaceX conducts static fire test ahead of fifth Falcon Heavy launch of 2023

December 3, 2023 Will Robinson-Smith

Following two Falcon 9 launches from both California and Florida, SpaceX closed out the first weekend of December with a Falcon Heavy static fire test. The ignition of the 27 Merlin engines comes a week ahead of the planned launch of the U.S. military’s secretive X-37B spaceplane.

SpaceX launches Space Force’s X-37B spaceplane to demo laser communications, quantum navigation

Launch preview: SpaceX to launch X-37B military spaceplane on Falcon 9 rocket from the Kennedy Space Center

U.S. Air Force’s X-37B spaceplane lands following 434-day orbital mission

SpaceX launches Falcon Heavy rocket, X-37B military spaceplane

Falcon Heavy launch of secretive X-37B military spaceplane on hold

SpaceX conducts static fire test ahead of fifth Falcon Heavy launch of 2023

SpaceX launches Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral on Starlink mission

U.S. military’s X-37B mini-shuttle to launch on SpaceX Falcon Heavy for the first time

Pentagon plans to keep X-37B spaceplane under Air Force management

Photos: Atlas 5 rocket lifts off with U.S. military’s X-37B spaceplane