24/7 Space News
SPACEWAR
Boeing X37B Spaceplane Prepares for Eighth Orbital Test Mission
illustration only
Boeing X37B Spaceplane Prepares for Eighth Orbital Test Mission
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jul 30, 2025

The Boeing-built X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV) is scheduled to embark on its eighth mission, OTV-8, no earlier than August 21 from Florida's Space Coast. This marks the next phase of operations for the uncrewed spaceplane, coming less than six months after OTV-7 successfully concluded.

According to Michelle Parker, vice president of Boeing Space Mission Systems, the program continues to evolve. "With each successive flight, the X-37B has demonstrated adaptability and flexibility by hosting diverse experiments and pioneering new orbital regimes," she said. "This mission continues that legacy by fielding cutting-edge technologies that advance our nation's space capability and improve the resilience of future architectures."

For the OTV-8 mission, the spacecraft will launch with an integrated service module, significantly expanding its experiment payload capacity. This enhanced configuration will support collaborations with the Air Force Research Laboratory and the Defense Innovation Unit.

Key payloads for this mission include a high-bandwidth inter-satellite laser communications system and the most advanced quantum inertial sensor yet flown in space. Both technologies aim to support next-generation navigation and data transport strategies.

"OTV-8's laser communications demonstration will mark an important step in the U.S. Space Force's ability to leverage commercial space networks as part of proliferated, diversified, and redundant space architectures," said Gen. Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations for the U.S. Space Force. "In so doing, it will strengthen the resilience, reliability, adaptability, and data transport speeds of our satellite communications architectures."

The quantum inertial sensor is designed to enable precise navigation in GPS-denied environments, such as deep space and cis-lunar regions. Space Delta 9 Commander Colonel Ramsey Hom emphasized its strategic relevance. "OTV 8's quantum inertial sensor demonstration is a welcome step forward for the operational resilience of Guardians in space," he stated. "Whether navigating beyond Earth-based orbits in cis-lunar space or operating in GPS-denied environments, quantum inertial sensing allows for robust navigation capabilities where GPS navigation is not possible. Ultimately, this technology contributes significantly to our thrust within the Fifth Space Operations Squadron and across the Space Force guaranteeing movement and maneuverability even in GPS-denied environments."

Boeing and U.S. Space Force personnel are finalizing launch preparations at Boeing's facility within Kennedy Space Center. Since its maiden voyage in April 2010, the X-37B has logged over 4,200 days in orbit.

Related Links
Boeing Space Mission Systems
Military Space News at SpaceWar.com

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters
Tweet

RELATED CONTENT
The following news reports may link to other Space Media Network websites.
SPACEWAR
Sidus Space and VORAGO to Develop Advanced Radiation-Hardened Microcontrollers for Space and Defense
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jul 02, 2025
Sidus Space (NASDAQ: SIDU) has entered a strategic collaboration with VORAGO Technologies to co-develop and integrate next-generation radiation-hardened microcontroller (MCU) systems as part of VORAGO's Alpha Customer Program. The initiative is aimed at advancing Sidus' multi-domain space and defense infrastructure. This partnership enables Sidus to test and implement VORAGO's high-performance MCU technology-designed for demanding space and defense environments-into future platforms. While Sidus h ... read more

SPACEWAR
Bid to relocate US Space Shuttle Discovery faces museum pushback

Russian space chief to meet NASA head for first time in eight years

Russian space chief says agreed with NASA on ISS cooperation until 2028

Water recycling is paramount for space stations and long-duration missions

SPACEWAR
7 Must-Read Astronautics Books for Future Aerospace Engineers

SpaceX scrubs static fire test of Falcon 9 due to issue

Rocket Lab to Launch Fifth Electron Mission for iQPS Earth Imaging Constellation

US, India launch powerful Earth-monitoring satellite

SPACEWAR
Life Could Thrive Underground on Mars and Icy Moons Thanks to Cosmic Radiation

China Focus: Chinese scientist details first planned Mars sample-return mission Tianwen 3

Skyfall Mars helicopter fleet to scout future astronaut landing sites

Curiosity Rovers Boxwork Campaign Reaches New Heights on Mount Sharp

SPACEWAR
Six Chinese universities to launch new low altitude space major this fall

International deep space alliance launched in Hefei China

China launches international association to boost global access to deep space research

Chinese Long March Rockets Make International Debut at Paris Air Show

SPACEWAR
China advances satellite internet network with sixth orbital deployment

Cascade raises 59M to develop full stack satellite communications platform

Firefly Aerospace launches IPO with Nasdaq listing planned under ticker FLY

SpaceX launches 28 Starlink satellites days after service outage

SPACEWAR
Expanded KSAT AWS Alliance Redefines Satellite Ground Communication Services

Bearings Used in Space Technologies: Engineering for the Final Frontier

How to Master Terraria: Essential Tips from a Pro Player

York launches BARD satellite to advance real time intersatellite communications

SPACEWAR
Chemistry that shaped the cosmos revealed in helium hydride reaction study

Sun dogs, other celestial effects could appear in alien skies

Building blocks of life found in distant star system suggest origins in interstellar space

One billion years of protein evolution reveals surprising design flexibility

SPACEWAR
China eyes Neptune for groundbreaking ice giant mission

Simulated ice volcanoes reveal how water behaves on distant moons

JunoCam revived by onboard heat treatment just in time for Io flyby

Rare Trans Neptunian Object Reveals Unexpected Orbital Dance with Neptune

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters




The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.