SpaceX Launches US Military’s X-37B Space Drone on 8th Mission

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket successfully carried the U.S. military’s secretive X-37B orbital test vehicle into space late Thursday night, marking the start of its eighth mission. The launch occurred at 11:50 p.m. local time (0350 GMT Friday) and was streamed live by SpaceX.

The unmanned mini space shuttle, often compared to a smaller version of NASA’s retired shuttles, is operated under classified conditions by the U.S. Space Force. While much of the mission remains undisclosed, officials confirmed that the spacecraft will conduct advanced military experiments, including tests of laser communications systems and a quantum inertial sensor, which is the most advanced of its kind ever sent to space.

According to the U.S. Space Force, Mission 8 aims to “improve the resilience, efficiency and security of U.S. space-based communications architectures.”

First introduced in 2010 and developed for the Air Force by Boeing’s United Launch Alliance, the X-37B measures about 30 feet long with a 15-foot wingspan and is powered by solar energy. Roughly the size of a small bus, the drone has previously supported NASA research in addition to military testing.

The spacecraft’s classified nature has long fueled speculation, but officials maintain its primary role is to advance experimental technologies for future defense and space operations.

According to media and AI sources.