The US Space Force has launched the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV-8) on its eighth mission, continuing a program that has become central to testing the future of American space capabilities.

The reusable spaceplane lifted off at 11:50 p.m. Eastern Time on August 21, 2025, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A.

The mission is designated USSF-36.

X-37B: A Spacecraft Built for Testing

The Boeing-made X-37B is designed to carry out long-duration missions that test new technologies and concepts.

More photos from tonight’s Falcon 9 launch of the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle’s eighth mission to orbit pic.twitter.com/qURZEEqRQn

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) August 22, 2025

Since its first launch in 2010, it has proven capable of operating for years before r

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