Space & Satellites
SpaceX Launches X-37B on Eighth Mission Enhancing US Space Force Tech
SpaceX launched the X-37B spaceplane on its eighth mission, advancing US Space Force capabilities with quantum navigation and laser communication tech.
The United States Space Force achieved a significant milestone as SpaceX successfully launched the Boeing-built X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle on its eighth mission from Kennedy Space Center in Florida on August 21, 2025. This launch, designated USSF-36 and known as OTV-8, continues one of the most secretive yet technologically advanced space programs in American military history. The mission carries experimental technologies, including quantum navigation sensors and advanced laser communication systems, that could reshape U.S. operations in an increasingly contested space domain. The successful deployment follows a substantial $1 billion funding allocation, underscoring the strategic importance of maintaining American technological superiority in space.
As global competition in space intensifies, the X-37B’s latest mission highlights the evolving landscape of national security and technological innovation beyond Earth’s atmosphere. The vehicle’s reusable design, autonomous operation, and experimental payloads position it at the forefront of military spaceflight, while also providing valuable data for future space operations. This article examines the X-37B’s historical development, technical capabilities, mission details, and broader implications for national security and international competition.
The X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle traces its origins to a 1999 NASA initiative aimed at creating cost-effective, reusable spacecraft as alternatives to the Space Shuttle. In 2004, the program was transferred to the Department of Defense, marking a shift from civilian to military oversight. This transition was influenced by a growing recognition of space as a strategic domain for national security, especially after the 2003 Columbia disaster, which led to changes in launch vehicle selection and mission planning.
The X-37B’s design evolved from the earlier Boeing X-40 prototype, serving as a scaled-up, more capable platform. The U.S. Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office took over management in 2006, working closely with Boeing to develop a versatile and highly capable orbital testbed. With the creation of the U.S. Space Force in 2019, operational control shifted to the new service branch, while Boeing continued as the prime contractor, responsible for manufacturing, engineering support, and mission operations.
Boeing has built two operational X-37B vehicles, both of which have flown multiple missions. The program’s emphasis on reusability and rapid turnaround has allowed the vehicles to accumulate over 4,200 days in orbit across seven previous missions, demonstrating the effectiveness of the original vision and the flexibility required for modern space operations.
The X-37B measures about 29 feet in length with a 15-foot wingspan, making it much smaller than the retired Space Shuttle. Despite its compact size, the vehicle features a payload bay roughly the size of a pickup truck bed, solar arrays for long-duration power, and autonomous systems for extended missions. Its hypergolic propulsion system allows for orbital maneuvers and controlled deorbiting, with ground crews using protective equipment to handle toxic residual propellants after landing.
Notably, the X-37B can autonomously land on conventional runways at Kennedy Space Center or Vandenberg Space Force Base, mirroring the Space Shuttle’s capabilities but without a human crew. This autonomous landing system is a significant advancement in flight control and operational flexibility, allowing for rapid redeployment and reuse.
Each mission has seen increasing durations, with the record set by OTV-6 at 908 days. The vehicles’ robust design and operational flexibility have enabled a wide range of experimental payloads, from advanced propulsion to materials science, and now, cutting-edge navigation and communication technologies. OTV-8 launched on August 21, 2025, at 11:50 p.m. EDT aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A. The Falcon 9 first stage, on its sixth flight, successfully landed at Landing Zone 2 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The launch window spanned nearly four hours, allowing flexibility for weather or technical delays, particularly as Hurricane Erin posed meteorological challenges during the scheduled period.
The X-37B was encapsulated in the Falcon 9’s payload fairing and integrated with the rocket stack in mid-August. The mission followed a northeast trajectory to a classified low Earth orbit, consistent with previous flights. SpaceX ended its public webcast after the booster landing, in line with Space Force operational security protocols.
This mission marks the third time SpaceX has provided launch services for the X-37B, with previous launches utilizing both Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets, as well as United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V. The selection of launch vehicles is based on mission requirements rather than exclusive partnerships, reflecting a pragmatic approach to leveraging commercial innovation.
OTV-8 carries a quantum inertial measurement unit developed by the Defense Innovation Unit and Vector Atomic. This sensor employs atom interferometry for highly precise measurements of acceleration and rotation, offering navigation capabilities even when GPS signals are unavailable or jammed. Such technology is crucial for cislunar operations and for ensuring resilience in environments where adversaries may deploy electronic warfare tactics.
Colonel Ramsey Horn of Space Delta 9 highlighted the importance of quantum sensing, stating it enables “robust navigation capabilities when GPS navigation is not possible.” The technology builds on successful ground and flight tests, including a 2024 demonstration aboard a conventional aircraft.
The mission also includes advanced laser communication systems for high-bandwidth optical data links. These systems promise enhanced security and data rates compared to traditional radio frequency communications. General Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations, emphasized that the demonstration marks a critical step toward more resilient and secure space-based communications architectures.
“The Space Force has never fought a war in space and needs to train to do so without, you know, a war actually breaking out first.” – Vivienne Machi, space policy expert
The X-37B’s experimental payloads address key vulnerabilities in current space operations, particularly the reliance on GPS and radio communications. As potential adversaries develop counterspace capabilities, these dependencies represent single points of failure. The Space Force has prioritized space domain awareness, resilient architectures, and responsible counterspace capabilities, with the X-37B serving as a platform for testing and validating new technologies and operational concepts.
Internationally, China’s Shenlong spaceplane program has conducted three missions, often in close timing with X-37B launches, highlighting the competitive nature of reusable spaceplane development. While details of the Chinese program remain highly classified, its parallel progress underscores the strategic imperative for the U.S. to maintain technological leadership. The X-37B also contributes to space domain awareness by performing orbital maneuvers and proximity operations, providing data for tracking objects in increasingly crowded orbital environments. Its autonomous capabilities and operational flexibility are seen as essential for future contested space scenarios where real-time ground control may be disrupted.
The Trump administration’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” allocated $1 billion to the X-37B program, reflecting a strong commitment to space-based national security. This funding increase comes amid broader cuts to civilian space science, indicating a prioritization of military space applications. The details of how these funds are used remain largely classified, but the investment supports technology risk reduction, experimentation, and operational concept development for reusable vehicles.
Industry analysts suggest that the funding ensures the program’s long-term viability and may support the development of additional vehicles or upgraded systems. The allocation also enables the expansion of experimental capabilities and the exploration of new mission profiles.
This robust funding environment is consistent with U.S. policy trends emphasizing space superiority and the integration of commercial innovation into national security missions.
The X-37B program’s mission durations have generally increased over time, from 224 days on OTV-1 to 908 days on OTV-6. However, OTV-7 was notably shorter at 434 days, focusing on aerobraking demonstrations in highly elliptical orbits. This variability reflects the program’s flexibility to tailor mission duration to experimental objectives rather than fixed schedules.
Such operational adaptability is a significant advantage over traditional satellite programs, allowing rapid response to technological opportunities and changing priorities. General Saltzman has noted that the X-37B’s flexibility is increasingly valuable in today’s strategic environment, enabling the Space Force to address emerging needs without lengthy development cycles.
This pattern also suggests that future missions may continue to vary in length and focus, depending on the technologies and operational concepts being tested.
The X-37B operates in a competitive international environment, with China’s Shenlong spaceplane and other nations pursuing similar capabilities. The close timing of Chinese and American launches in late 2023 highlights the ongoing technological rivalry. While Russia has announced interest in reusable spaceplanes, its efforts remain less advanced compared to the U.S. and China. These developments have influenced U.S. space policy, with the X-37B seen as essential for maintaining a technological edge. The program’s continued success, flexibility, and operational maturity provide the U.S. with unique advantages, while serving as a deterrent and a platform for rapid technology development.
Looking forward, the technologies demonstrated on OTV-8, quantum sensing and laser communications, could transform space operations by enabling autonomous navigation and secure, high-bandwidth communications. These capabilities may be integrated into future military and commercial satellite constellations, supporting resilient hybrid architectures and greater operational autonomy.
“When I have a platform like the X-37B, my mouth starts to water.” – Gen. Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations, U.S. Space Force
The X-37B’s eighth mission marks a significant achievement for the U.S. Space Force and demonstrates the ongoing evolution of military space capabilities. Its advanced experimental payloads address critical vulnerabilities and pave the way for more resilient, autonomous, and secure space operations. The substantial investment in the program reflects the strategic importance of space superiority and ensures continued leadership in reusable spacecraft technologies.
As international competition intensifies, the X-37B’s operational flexibility and proven track record provide the U.S. with a unique edge. The lessons learned and technologies tested on OTV-8 are likely to influence American space policy and capability development for years to come, supporting the nation’s position as a global leader in space.
What is the X-37B spaceplane? What was the main purpose of the OTV-8 mission? How does the X-37B land? Why is the X-37B program important? How does the X-37B compare to China’s Shenlong spaceplane? Sources: Florida Today, Boeing Press Release, Defense News, SpaceNews, U.S. Space Force
SpaceX Successfully Launches X-37B Space Plane on Eighth Mission, Advancing U.S. Space Force Capabilities
Historical Context and Program Evolution
Technical Specifications and Operational Capabilities
Mission Eight Launch Operations and Technical Details
Advanced Technology Demonstrations and Experimental Payloads
Strategic Implications and National Security Context
Funding and Political Support
Comparative Analysis of Mission Durations
International Competition and Future Implications
Conclusion
FAQ
The X-37B is a reusable robotic spacecraft developed by Boeing for the U.S. Space Force. It is designed for long-duration autonomous missions in low Earth orbit, carrying experimental and classified payloads.
OTV-8 is testing advanced quantum navigation sensors and laser communication systems to improve navigation and secure data transmission in contested or GPS-denied environments.
The X-37B returns to Earth and lands autonomously on conventional runways, such as those at Kennedy Space Center or Vandenberg Space Force Base, without a human crew.
The program enables the U.S. to test and validate new space technologies, maintain operational flexibility, and respond to evolving national security challenges in space.
Both are reusable, autonomous spaceplanes used for military and experimental purposes. While details about Shenlong remain classified, both programs reflect growing international competition in space technology.
Photo Credit: SpaceX
Space & Satellites
Sodern Opens First US Facility in Colorado for Star Tracker Production
Sodern launches its first US industrial subsidiary in Colorado, producing Auriga™ star trackers and expanding in the US aerospace market.
This article is based on an official press release from Sodern.
Sodern, a prominent French manufacturer of space equipment and a subsidiary of ArianeGroup, has officially inaugurated its first United States industrial subsidiary, Sodern America. Located in Englewood, Colorado, the new facility marks a significant strategic expansion for the European aerospace giant, representing ArianeGroup’s first industrial installation on American soil.
According to the company’s announcement, the opening of Sodern America is designed to bring the manufacturer closer to its U.S. client base and navigate domestic regulatory requirements. The move positions Sodern to compete directly with established American firms in the defense and commercial space sectors by establishing a local supply chain and production capability.
The new subsidiary is situated in the Denver metropolitan area, a region widely recognized as a major hub for the U.S. aerospace industry. The facility spans approximately 14,000 square feet (1,300 square meters) and is equipped to handle manufacturing, testing, and commercial support.
In its official statement, Sodern outlined the specific operational capabilities of the Englewood site:
By establishing this physical presence, Sodern aims to address the “dynamic and demanding” nature of the U.S. market, ensuring that critical components are available with shorter supply-chains than those requiring import from Europe.
To lead the new subsidiary, Sodern has appointed Tiphaine Louradour as the CEO of Sodern America. Louradour brings over 25 years of experience in the space industry, having held significant leadership roles at major U.S. aerospace organizations.
According to biographical details released in conjunction with the announcement, Louradour’s background includes serving as CEO of Spaceflight Inc., President of International Launch Services (ILS), and President of Global Commercial Sales at United Launch Alliance (ULA). Her appointment signals Sodern’s intent to leverage deep ties within the U.S. space industrial base to secure new contracts.
A primary driver for this expansion, as noted in the company’s strategic rationale, is compliance with U.S. regulatory frameworks. Foreign entities often face barriers when bidding for U.S. government defense and civil space contracts due to strict domestic content requirements, often referred to as “Buy American” mandates. By manufacturing the Auriga™ star tracker and conducting testing in Colorado, Sodern America intends to qualify for sensitive programs that are typically restricted to U.S. entities. This local status allows the company to bypass previous regulatory hurdles and compete on equal footing with domestic manufacturers.
The entry of Sodern America into the Colorado aerospace cluster places it in direct proximity to some of its fiercest competitors. The Denver area is home to Blue Canyon Technologies (a subsidiary of RTX), which is a market leader in small satellite components and star trackers. Additionally, Ball Aerospace (now part of BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems) and Honeywell Aerospace maintain significant operations in the region.
Sodern is already a supplier for major U.S. stakeholders, including NASA, providing instruments for the InSight Mars mission and the Europa Clipper, and the OneWeb constellation. However, establishing a manufacturing foothold suggests a shift from being an exporter to becoming an embedded part of the U.S. supply chain. This move is likely to intensify competition in the optical sensors market, particularly as satellite constellations continue to scale.
What is Sodern America? Where is the new facility located? What will be manufactured at the new site? Who is the CEO of Sodern America? Why did Sodern open a U.S. factory?
Facility Capabilities and Strategic Location
Leadership and Market Objectives
Navigating “Buy American” Regulations
AirPro News Analysis: The Competitive Landscape
Frequently Asked Questions
Sodern America is the new U.S. subsidiary of the French space equipment manufacturer Sodern. It is the company’s first industrial facility in the United States.
The facility is located in Englewood, Colorado, within the Denver metropolitan area.
The site will feature a production line for Auriga™ star trackers and testing facilities for Hydra™ star trackers.
Tiphaine Louradour, a veteran aerospace executive with previous leadership roles at Spaceflight Inc. and ULA, has been appointed as CEO.
The expansion aims to bypass “Buy American” regulatory hurdles, shorten supply chains for U.S. clients, and allow the company to bid on U.S. government defense contracts.Sources
Photo Credit: Sodern
Space & Satellites
Isar Aerospace Opens Acceptance Test Facility at Esrange Space Center
Isar Aerospace launches a new test site at Esrange, Sweden, to support industrial-scale production of Spectrum rocket ahead of March 2026 flight.
This article is based on an official press release from Isar Aerospace.
Isar Aerospace has officially inaugurated a new acceptance test facility at the Esrange Space Center in Kiruna, Sweden. Announced on February 4, 2026, the opening marks a significant transition for the Munich-based launch provider as it shifts focus from prototype development to the industrial-scale production of its Spectrum launch vehicle.
The new site is purpose-built to verify the flight readiness of manufactured hardware, a critical step in ensuring high-cadence Launch operations. According to the company, the facility is designed to test over 30 Aquila engines per month, alongside fully integrated rocket stages. This infrastructure expansion comes just weeks before Isar Aerospace attempts its second Test-Flights, mission “Onward and Upward,” scheduled to First-Flight from Andøya Spaceport in Norway in March 2026.
Unlike development testing, which focuses on validating design concepts, acceptance testing is the final quality control step before hardware is shipped to the launch pad. Isar Aerospace stated in their press release that the new facility is specifically engineered to remove production bottlenecks. By securing dedicated infrastructure for acceptance testing, the company aims to ensure that every engine and stage coming off the assembly line is immediately qualified for flight.
The facility operates alongside Isar’s existing vertical test stand (VTS-2) at Esrange, which has been utilized for development testing since 2019. The addition of the new site allows for parallel operations: R&D can continue on the vertical stand while the new facility handles the volume required for serial production.
“Scaling reliable access to space requires not only advanced launch vehicle design but also the right infrastructure to support rapid development and production. With our second test facility at Esrange, we are unlocking new capabilities and accelerating our progress.”
, Daniel Metzler, CEO & Co-Founder, Isar Aerospace
The new infrastructure significantly increases the company’s throughput. Isar Aerospace reports that the site is equipped to handle the acceptance testing of more than 30 Aquila engines monthly. Furthermore, the site supports integrated stage testing, allowing engineers to verify the entire rocket stage as a cohesive unit before it leaves Sweden.
The opening of this facility highlights the intensifying race among European launch Startups to provide sovereign access to space. Isar Aerospace is competing with peers such as Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) and Orbex to fill the gap in Europe’s launch market. By vertically integrating its testing capabilities, Isar Aerospace reduces reliance on shared facilities, potentially giving it an advantage in scheduling and launch cadence. Swedish Space Corporation (SSC), which operates Esrange, emphasized the importance of this Partnerships for the broader European ecosystem.
“This new facility strengthens Europe’s path toward scalable and reliable access to space… Together, we are building the infrastructure that will enable a new generation of launch services.”
, Mats Tyni, Director of Business Development, SSC
The distinction between “development” and “acceptance” testing is often overlooked, yet it is the primary hurdle for launch companies moving from a single successful flight to a commercial service. In our view, Isar Aerospace’s Investments in a high-volume acceptance facility signals confidence in their hardware design. It suggests the company believes the Aquila engine design is mature enough to freeze for mass production. If the upcoming March 2026 flight is successful, this infrastructure will be the key enabler that allows them to fulfill their backlog without the testing bottlenecks that have historically plagued the industry.
The facility inauguration serves as a prelude to Isar Aerospace’s next major milestone. The company confirmed that its second test flight, dubbed “Onward and Upward,” is targeted for a launch window in March 2026. This mission will utilize the Spectrum vehicle, a two-stage rocket designed to carry up to 1,000 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
The Spectrum vehicle relies on the Aquila engines tested at Esrange, which utilize Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and Propane. Following a flight termination during the first test launch in March 2025, the company has conducted extensive hot-fire tests to validate system corrections. The new acceptance facility will likely play a central role in qualifying engines for vehicles 3 through 7, which are currently planned for concurrent production.
Industrializing Launch Capabilities
Capacity and Specs
Strategic Context: The Race for European Sovereignty
AirPro News Analysis
Upcoming Mission: “Onward and Upward”
Sources
Photo Credit: Isar Aerospace
Space & Satellites
SpaceX Crew-12 Arrives in Florida for February ISS Launch
Crew-12 astronauts from NASA, ESA, and Roscosmos arrive at Kennedy Space Center ahead of their February 11 launch to the ISS aboard SpaceX Crew Dragon.
This article is based on an official press release from NASA and additional mission data from ESA and Roscosmos.
The four-member crew of the SpaceX Crew-12 mission arrived at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida on Friday, February 6, 2026, marking the final operational milestone before their scheduled Launch to the International Space Station (ISS). Flying in from the Johnson Space Center in Houston, the international team of astronauts landed at the Launch and Landing Facility to commence final preparations and mandatory quarantine protocols.
According to NASA, the mission is targeted to lift off on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 6:01 a.m. EST. The crew will ride aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft named Freedom, propelled by a Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. This flight represents a continuation of the Commercial Crew Program’s efforts to maintain a continuous human presence in low-Earth orbit.
The arrival of Crew-12 is operationally critical for the ISS, which has recently functioned with a reduced staff due to schedule shifts and medical evaluations. The successful docking of Crew-12, targeted for approximately 10:30 a.m. EST on February 12, will restore the orbiting laboratory to its full complement of seven astronauts, stabilizing maintenance rosters and scientific output for Expeditions 74 and 75.
The Crew-12 mission brings together representatives from three major Space-Agencies: NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and Roscosmos. The mission duration is expected to last approximately nine months, during which the crew will conduct hundreds of scientific experiments and technology demonstrations.
In an official statement regarding the mission’s scope, NASA noted:
“Crew-12 will conduct scientific investigations and technology demonstrations to help prepare humans for future exploration missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as benefit people on Earth.”
Following the launch on February 11, the crew will execute a 28-hour rendezvous profile before docking with the ISS. Once aboard, they will overlap briefly with the departing crew before settling into a long-duration stay focused on deep space biology, material science, and Earth observation.
The manifest for Crew-12 features a blend of veteran leadership and rookie talent, including two American astronauts, one French astronaut, and one Russian cosmonaut. Leading the mission is veteran astronaut Jessica Meir. Meir previously served on Expedition 61/62 in 2019 and 2020, where she gained global recognition for participating in the first all-female spacewalk alongside Christina Koch. A dual American-Swedish citizen, Meir holds a Doctorate in Marine Biology from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Her scientific background includes extensive research on animal physiology in extreme environments, such as emperor penguins in Antarctica. As Mission Commander, she is responsible for all phases of flight, from launch to re-entry.
Seated alongside Meir is mission pilot Jack Hathaway, making his first trip to space. Selected as a NASA astronaut candidate in 2021, Hathaway brings extensive aviation experience as a Commander in the U.S. Navy. He is a distinguished graduate of the Empire Test Pilots’ School and has logged over 2,500 flight hours in more than 30 types of aircraft. His role on Crew-12 involves monitoring vehicle systems and performance during the dynamic phases of flight.
Representing the European Space Agency is Mission Specialist Sophie Adenot. A Lieutenant Colonel in the French Air and Space Force and a helicopter test pilot, Adenot was selected as an ESA astronaut in 2022. She becomes the second French woman to fly to space, following Claudie Haigneré’s mission in 1996. Adenot’s individual mission is designated “Epsilon.”
Commenting on the significance of her role, Adenot stated:
“With this Epsilon mission, France and Europe are contributing to a global endeavor. Space exploration connects science, economy, technology, education, and diplomacy.”
Rounding out the crew is Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev. This flight marks his second journey to the ISS, having previously flown on the SpaceX Crew-6 mission from March to September 2023. Fedyaev’s inclusion in the crew is notable for making him the first Russian cosmonaut to fly twice on a SpaceX Dragon vehicle. He is tasked with monitoring launch and re-entry phases and managing cargo operations aboard the station.
Upon their arrival in Florida, the crew immediately entered the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building to begin the standard pre-flight quarantine. This health stabilization protocol, a legacy of the Apollo era, is designed to ensure that no viral or bacterial illnesses are transported to the closed environment of the ISS.
The composition of Crew-12 underwent a significant adjustment late in the training flow. In December 2025, Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev was removed from the manifest and replaced by Andrey Fedyaev. While Roscosmos officially cited a “transition to other work” as the reason for the swap, industry reports have suggested the change may have been influenced by internal Regulations. Fedyaev’s previous experience on the Crew-6 mission allowed him to step into the role with a compressed training timeline, ensuring the mission schedule remained on track.
The integration of Andrey Fedyaev into Crew-12 highlights the increasing maturity and interoperability of the Commercial Crew Program. In previous eras of spaceflight, a crew change less than three months before launch could have resulted in significant delays. However, the standardization of the SpaceX Crew Dragon platform allows veteran flyers like Fedyaev to retain currency and step into rotation with reduced lead time. Furthermore, the launch of Crew-12 is pivotal for ISS operations. The station has faced a period of flux regarding crew numbers, and the return to a seven-person staff is essential for clearing the backlog of maintenance tasks and maximizing the scientific return of the orbiting laboratory before the transition to commercial space stations begins later in the decade.
Sources:
Crew-12 Astronauts Touch Down in Florida Ahead of February 11 Launch
Mission Profile and Timeline
Meet the Crew-12 Astronauts
Commander Jessica Meir (NASA)
Pilot Jack Hathaway (NASA)
Mission Specialist Sophie Adenot (ESA)
Mission Specialist Andrey Fedyaev (Roscosmos)
Operational Context and Late Adjustments
Late Crew Change
AirPro News Analysis
Photo Credit: NASA
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