SpaceX Falcon 9 – USSF‑36 (OTV‑8 / X‑37B)

Launch Time: 11:50 PM

Rocket: Falcon 9 Block 5
Orbit: Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
Mission Type: Government / Classified (U.S. Space Force Experimental Reusable Spaceplane)

Mission Overview

This mission marks the eighth flight of Boeing’s X‑37B Orbital Test Vehicle—referred to as OTV‑8 under the designation USSF‑36—launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Operated by the U.S. Space Force, the spaceplane will conduct a suite of classified technology demonstrations in space 

---

Key Technology Demonstrations

• Laser Communications Experiments: Enhancing secure, high-bandwidth data links across satellite networks

• Quantum Inertial Sensor: Featuring the highest-performing system ever flown in orbit, improving resilience, navigation, and timing systems 

Built for repeated reuse, X‑37B performs orbital operations independently and returns to Earth—a unique testbed for next-generation space capabilities.

---

Recovery and Mission Significance

• First Stage Recovery: Falcon 9 booster recovery expected via a drone ship landing in the Atlantic.

• Strategic Impact: OTV‑8 will provide valuable in-orbit validation for resilient communications and national security architectures. The mission boosts U.S. capabilities in adaptive, secure space operations

🔗 For additional details and live coverage, visit the SpaceX Launches page.

Stay updated at spacex.com/starlink

Or link below

---