A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off on Thursday night, carrying a classified United States military spaceplane into orbit. The mission marked the eighth flight of the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle, a reusable and autonomous craft designed and built by Boeing. The launch took place from Cape Canaveral in Florida, with no crew on board the rocket.
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The X-37B is employed by the US military to trial new technology and conduct experiments in both high and low Earth orbits. According to the US Space Force, the latest mission involves testing “next-generation technologies, including laser communications and the highest-performing quantum inertial sensor ever tested in space”.
Officials said that Mission 8 is expected to contribute to enhancing the resilience, efficiency and security of America’s space-based communications systems. The military did not disclose the precise duration of the mission, in keeping with the highly secretive nature of the programme.
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On previous flights, the mini shuttle has demonstrated an ability to stay in orbit for extended periods. During one mission, the spacecraft remained in space for more than a year before returning safely to Earth in March. The continuing series of launches underscores the growing strategic importance of uncrewed spacecraft for military operations in orbit.
