This article is based on an official corporate news release from Boeing.

Boeing X-37B Accelerates “Learning at Pace” for U.S. Space Force

The U.S. Space Force is undergoing a significant strategic shift from static, long-duration satellite programs to rapid, iterative testing, a concept known as “learning at pace.” According to a recent corporate release from Boeing, the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV) has become the central engine for this strategy, enabling military scientists to test, return, and refine technologies with unprecedented speed.

By leveraging the reusable nature of the X-37B, the Space Force has established a “fly, fix, fly” cycle that compresses years of development into months. This capability was highlighted by two major events in 2025: the successful aerobraking maneuver and landing of the OTV-7 mission in March, and the rapid turnaround launch of OTV-8 in August.

Validating Dynamic Space Operations

A key focus of the recent missions has been the validation of “Dynamic Space Operations” (DSO). Unlike traditional satellites, which often remain in fixed orbits for 15 years or more due to fuel constraints, DSO requires assets that can maneuver freely to avoid threats or inspect other objects.

The Aerobraking Milestone

During the OTV-7 mission, which concluded with a landing at Vandenberg Space Force Base on March 7, 2025, the X-37B successfully performed a novel aerobraking maneuver. Boeing reports that instead of expending fuel to lower its orbit, the spacecraft dipped into Earth’s upper atmosphere, utilizing atmospheric drag to decelerate and alter its trajectory.

This maneuver is critical for the future of military spaceflight. By conserving vast amounts of fuel, satellites can remain in orbit longer and maintain the energy reserves necessary for unexpected maneuvers. General Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations, emphasized the importance of this achievement in a statement regarding the test:

“This first-of-a-kind maneuver from the X-37B is an incredibly important milestone for the United States Space Force as we seek to expand our aptitude and ability to perform in this challenging domain.”

Rapid Turnaround and OTV-8

Demonstrating the “pace” in “learning at pace,” the X-37B fleet underwent a rapid refurbishment following the March landing. According to mission data, the vehicle was prepped and relaunched for the OTV-8 mission in August 2025 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9. This turnaround of under six months underscores the program’s operational tempo.

The current OTV-8 mission is reportedly testing next-generation technologies essential for resilient space architecture. These include laser communications systems and quantum inertial sensors, which are designed to provide accurate navigation data even in environments where GPS signals are jammed or unavailable.

The “Fly, Fix, Fly” Feedback Loop

Boeing highlights that the X-37B’s primary value lies in its ability to return hardware to Earth for physical inspection, a capability not possible with traditional one-way satellite launches. This “learning loop” allows engineers to examine how materials degrade in the harsh space environment and refine designs based on physical evidence rather than telemetry alone.

Recent experiments have included:

• NASA Biological Research: OTV-7 carried plant seeds to test radiation effects. Returning these seeds allows scientists to grow them on Earth to identify genetic changes, which is vital data for future long-duration human spaceflight.
• Service Module Disposal: The program tested a new method for ejecting the service module to minimize space debris, aligning with “responsible space” protocols.

AirPro News Analysis

The emphasis on “learning at pace” appears to be a direct response to the accelerating capabilities of near-peer adversaries. With China operating its own reusable spaceplane, the Shenlong, the U.S. military is prioritizing speed of innovation over the longevity of individual assets. The X-37B has effectively transitioned from a platform often perceived by the public as a “spy plane” to a high-velocity technology incubator.

By mastering techniques like aerobraking, the U.S. Space Force is not just testing a single vehicle but validating a method to extend the life and maneuverability of future satellite constellations. If operational satellites can change orbits “for free” using physics rather than limited fuel reserves, they become significantly harder for adversaries to track or target, thereby enhancing the resilience of American space infrastructure.

Sources: Boeing, U.S. Space Force

This article summarizes reporting by Xinhua. Read the original reporting for full context.

LandSpace Zhuque-3 Reach Orbit on Maiden Flight, Narrowly Misses Recovery

On December 3, 2025, the Chinese private aerospace firm LandSpace conducted the Maiden-Flight of its Zhuque-3 (ZQ-3) carrier rocket. According to reporting by Xinhua, the mission achieved a partial success: the vehicle successfully delivered its payload into the designated orbit, marking a significant step forward for China’s commercial space sector. However, the attempt to recover the reusable first-stage booster ended in a crash during the final landing phase.

The flight, which took place at the Dongfeng Commercial Space Innovation Pilot Zone in northwest China, represents the country’s most advanced attempt to date to develop a fully reusable orbital-class rocket comparable to the SpaceX Falcon 9. While the primary objective of orbital insertion was met, the loss of the booster highlights the persistent challenges of vertical recovery technology.

Mission Overview and Outcome

The Zhuque-3 lifted off at approximately 12:00 PM local time. Xinhua reports that the rocket performed normally during the ascent, with the second stage separating correctly and entering the preset orbit. The payload for this test flight was a mass simulator designed to verify the rocket’s carrying capacity.

The Landing Anomaly

Following stage separation, the first-stage booster initiated a series of automated maneuvers intended to guide it back to a landing pad roughly 300 kilometers downrange in Minqin County. According to official statements from LandSpace, the booster successfully completed its boost-back and re-entry burns.

However, the recovery attempt failed in the final moments. Data indicates that the booster suffered “anomalous combustion” during its final vertical landing burn. Consequently, the vehicle could not achieve a soft touchdown and crashed near the designated recovery site. Despite the loss of the hardware, LandSpace emphasized that the mission provided critical flight data to refine future guidance and control algorithms.

Technical Architecture: China’s Answer to Stainless Steel Reusability

The Zhuque-3 is distinct in the Chinese market for its choice of materials and propellant, mirroring the architectural philosophy of SpaceX’s Starship. The vehicle is constructed from high-strength stainless steel, chosen for its durability and resistance to the extreme heat of atmospheric re-entry.

Propulsion and Specs

According to technical specifications released by LandSpace, the rocket stands approximately 66 meters (217 feet) tall with a diameter of 4.5 meters. It is powered by liquid oxygen-methane (methalox) engines, a fuel choice that burns cleaner than traditional kerosene, significantly reducing soot buildup and facilitating easier engine reuse.

• First Stage: Powered by nine Tianque-12A (TQ-12A) engines.
• Second Stage: Equipped with one TQ-15A vacuum engine.
• Capacity: The rocket is designed to lift approximately 21.3 metric tons to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) in expendable mode, or roughly 18.3 metric tons when the first stage is recovered downrange.

AirPro News Analysis

The Strategic Push for Reusability

While the landing failure is a setback, the successful orbital insertion of a methane-fueled, stainless-steel rocket places LandSpace at the forefront of China’s commercial space industry. In our view, this mission underscores the “fail-fast, learn-fast” methodology that has accelerated commercial spaceflight development globally.

The drive toward reusability is not merely technical but economic. With China planning strictly regulated mega-constellations, such as the Guowang and G60 Starlink networks, the demand for launch cadence is set to skyrocket. A reusable fleet is essential to reducing the cost per kilogram to orbit, allowing Chinese firms to compete directly with western launch providers. The Zhuque-3 is positioned to be a workhorse for these future deployments.

Future Outlook

LandSpace has indicated that it will investigate the specific cause of the landing anomaly before scheduling the next flight. Industry experts anticipate that future missions will likely carry commercial satellites while continuing to test first-stage recovery. Furthermore, the Zhuque-3 architecture is slated to eventually support the launch of the Haolong cargo shuttle, intended to service the Tiangong space station.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Zhuque-3?

The Zhuque-3 is a reusable, liquid oxygen-methane carrier rocket developed by the Chinese private company LandSpace. It is designed to lower launch costs through first-stage recovery.

Was the mission a total failure?

No. The mission was a partial success. The rocket successfully reached orbit and deployed its payload. The failure was limited to the experimental recovery of the first-stage booster.

Why use stainless steel?

Stainless steel is used for its high strength, heat resistance, and lower cost compared to carbon fiber or aluminum-lithium alloys, making it ideal for reusable vehicles that face repeated re-entry heating.

Sources

• Xinhua
• LandSpace Official Statements (via industry reporting)

This article is based on an official Record of Decision from the Department of the Air Force. See the original document for full details.

Department of the Air Force Approves SpaceX Starship Operations at Cape Canaveral

The Department of the Air Force (DAF) has officially issued a Record of Decision (ROD) approving the proposal to allow SpaceX to redevelop Space Launch Complex 37 (SLC-37) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) for the Starship-Super Heavy launch system. Signed on November 20, 2025, this decision marks the final step in the Air Force’s environmental review process, clearing the way for SpaceX to construct a high-cadence orbital launch site on military property.

According to the official documents, the DAF selected the “Proposed Action” over the “No Action Alternative,” citing the critical need for a dedicated, high-capacity launch site to support the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program. The decision authorizes SpaceX to conduct up to 76 launches annually from the site, a cadence that would significantly increase the tempo of operations on Florida’s Space Coast.

This approval transforms SLC-37, formerly the home of the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy, into a primary hub for SpaceX’s interplanetary ambitions and national security missions. While the environmental review is complete, SpaceX must still finalize a real property lease with the Space Force and obtain a Vehicle Operator License from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) before operations can commence.

Operational Scope and Cadence

The Record of Decision outlines a massive scale of operations for the new Starship complex. The approved plan permits a launch cadence that far exceeds historical operations at the site. Under the authorization, SpaceX is permitted to conduct:

• Launches: Up to 76 Starship-Super Heavy launches per year.
• Landings: Up to 152 landings annually, comprising 76 Super Heavy booster landings and 76 Starship upper stage landings.
• Static Fire Tests: Up to 76 static fire events for each stage per year.

The operational concept described in the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) involves the Super Heavy booster returning to the launch site approximately seven minutes after liftoff for a “catch” landing using the tower’s mechanical arms. The Starship upper stage is also authorized to land at the pad, with mission durations ranging from a few hours for orbital tests to potentially years for interplanetary returns.

Environmental Impacts and Mitigation

The DAF’s review acknowledges that the sheer power of the Starship system, the largest rocket ever built, will introduce significant environmental impacts to the region. The ROD details several areas of concern and the mandatory mitigation strategies SpaceX must employ.

Noise and Sonic Booms

The report identifies noise as a primary concern for local residents. Unlike traditional expendable rockets, the reusable Starship system generates sonic booms during the return of both the booster and the upper stage. The DAF notes that these booms will be audible across the Space Coast and may occur during nighttime hours.

“Significant community annoyance is a likely outcome due to the sheer power of the Super Heavy booster and the sonic booms generated by returning vehicles.”

, Record of Decision, Department of the Air Force

Advertisement

To mitigate these effects, SpaceX is required to implement a robust public notification system for all launches and landings. While the DAF concluded that structural damage to nearby properties is unlikely, they acknowledged that noise levels will exceed those of previous vehicles, such as the Saturn V or the Space Launch System (SLS).

Wildlife and Wetlands

Construction at SLC-37 will impact local ecology, specifically the habitats of protected species like the Florida scrub-jay and the Southeastern beach mouse. The ROD mandates that SpaceX fund or perform habitat restoration and utilize trap-and-release programs to relocate affected animals to suitable areas away from the launch zone.

Furthermore, the DAF issued a “Finding of No Practicable Alternative” (FONPA) regarding the destruction of wetlands surrounding the pad. The decision states that the specific location is mission-critical, and no other viable alternative exists. Consequently, SpaceX must obtain federal permits and purchase wetland mitigation bank credits to offset the loss.

Strategic Importance for National Security

The decision to approve SLC-37 for Starship is driven heavily by national security requirements. The Space Force views Starship as a vital asset for the rapid deployment of heavy cargo and future military capabilities. The ROD emphasizes that the site provides necessary redundancy to SpaceX’s commercial operations at Starbase, Texas, and NASA’s Launch Complex 39A.

By securing a dedicated military-controlled launch site, the Department of Defense ensures it can meet “projected rapid increase in launch requirements” without competing for scheduling priority at commercial or NASA-led pads. Unlike LC-39A, which is capped at a lower cadence to protect adjacent NASA assets, SLC-37 is authorized for high-frequency operations tailored to defense needs.

AirPro News Analysis

We view this approval as a definitive signal that the U.S. military is fully integrating super-heavy lift capabilities into its long-term strategy. The authorization of 76 launches per year, more than one per week, suggests that the Space Force anticipates a paradigm shift in how military assets are deployed. This is not merely about replacing the Delta IV; it is about creating a logistics throughput capability that currently does not exist.

However, the friction between this high operational tempo and the local community cannot be ignored. The “significant community annoyance” cited in the ROD is a bureaucratic phrase for a very real quality-of-life change for residents of Brevard County. As operations ramp up, we expect the “Adaptive Management Plan” mentioned in the air quality section to be tested frequently, potentially leading to future adjustments in operational windows or flight profiles.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will construction begin?

With the ROD signed, the Space Force will execute a lease agreement transferring the site to SpaceX. Demolition of the legacy Delta IV structures and construction of the new Starship infrastructure is expected to begin immediately following the lease execution.

Is the approval final?

The environmental review by the Air Force is complete. However, SpaceX still requires a Vehicle Operator License from the FAA. The DAF noted that if the FAA’s analysis of airspace closures reveals new significant impacts, a revised ROD could be issued, though this is considered unlikely.

How loud will the launches be?

The Starship system is significantly louder than existing rockets. In addition to launch noise, the return of the booster and ship will create sonic booms. The DAF has confirmed these will be audible across the region.

Sources

• Department of the Air Force Record of Decision