Boeing-Built X-37B Spaceplane Set for Eighth Mission

Rhea-AI Summary

Boeing (NYSE: BA) has announced the upcoming launch of its X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV) for its eighth mission (OTV-8), scheduled for August 21, 2025. The mission will feature advanced experiments including high-bandwidth inter-satellite laser communications and testing of the most powerful quantum inertial sensor ever deployed in space.

The spaceplane, which has accumulated over 4,200 days in space since its first launch in 2010, will carry a service module to expand experimental capacity. The mission, supported by the Air Force Research Laboratory and Defense Innovation Unit, aims to enhance space capabilities and improve future architectures. The quantum inertial sensor will demonstrate precise navigation in GPS-denied environments, particularly valuable for deep space and cis-lunar operations.

Positive

• Integration of advanced laser communications technology for enhanced satellite networks
• Testing of breakthrough quantum inertial sensor for GPS-independent navigation
• Expanded experimental capacity through new service module implementation
• Rapid turnaround from previous mission (OTV-7) demonstrating operational efficiency

Negative

• None.

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla., July 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Boeing [NYSE: BA]-built X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV) is preparing to launch its eighth mission (OTV-8) from Florida's Space Coast, with liftoff scheduled no earlier than August 21. This milestone comes less than six months after the successful completion of OTV-7.

"With each successive flight, the X-37B has demonstrated adaptability and flexibility by hosting diverse experiments and pioneering new orbital regimes," said Michelle Parker, vice president of Boeing Space Mission Systems. "This mission continues that legacy by fielding cutting-edge technologies that advance our nation's space capability and improve the resilience of future architectures."

OTV-8 will fly with a service module, expanding capacity for experiments and opening new opportunities for mission partners, which include the Air Force Research Laboratory and the Defense Innovation Unit.

The mission will host demonstrations of high-bandwidth inter-satellite laser communications technologies, as well as the highest performing quantum inertial sensor ever tested in space. The U.S. Space Force will leverage insights from this mission to inform future space architectures.

"OTV-8's laser communications demonstration will mark an important step in the U.S. Space Force's ability to leverage commercial space networks as part of proliferated, diversified, and redundant space architectures," said U.S. Space Force Chief of Space Operations, Gen. Chance Saltzman. "In so doing, it will strengthen the resilience, reliability, adaptability, and data transport speeds of our satellite communications architectures."

The revolutionary quantum inertial sensor will demonstrate precise positioning, navigation and timing in a GPS-denied environment. Quantum inertial sensors, useful for navigation in deep and cis-lunar space, promise to push the technological frontiers of long-distance space travel and exploration.

"OTV 8's quantum inertial sensor demonstration is a welcome step forward for the operational resilience of Guardians in space," said Space Delta 9 Commander Colonel Ramsey Hom. "Whether navigating beyond Earth-based orbits in cis-lunar space or operating in GPS-denied environments, quantum inertial sensing allows for robust navigation capabilities where GPS navigation is not possible. Ultimately, this technology contributes significantly to our thrust within the Fifth Space Operations Squadron and across the Space Force guaranteeing movement and maneuverability even in GPS-denied environments."

Boeing and Space Force teams are preparing the spaceplane for launch at Boeing's facility at Kennedy Space Center, Florida. Since its inaugural launch in April 2010, the spaceplane has spent more than 4,200 days in space.

A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity.  

Contact

Zeyad Maasarani
Boeing Communications
+1-562-400-5533
zeyad.maasarani@boeing.com 

Boeing Media Relations
media@boeing.com

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SOURCE Boeing

FAQ

When will Boeing's X-37B OTV-8 mission launch?

The Boeing X-37B OTV-8 mission is scheduled to launch no earlier than August 21, 2025 from Florida's Space Coast.

What new technologies will Boeing's X-37B test during the OTV-8 mission?

The OTV-8 mission will test high-bandwidth inter-satellite laser communications and the most powerful quantum inertial sensor ever tested in space for GPS-independent navigation.

How long has Boeing's X-37B spaceplane been operating in space?

Since its first launch in April 2010, the Boeing X-37B spaceplane has accumulated more than 4,200 days in space.

What is the purpose of the quantum inertial sensor on Boeing's X-37B OTV-8 mission?

The quantum inertial sensor will demonstrate precise positioning, navigation, and timing in GPS-denied environments, particularly useful for deep space and cis-lunar operations.

Who are the key partners for Boeing's X-37B OTV-8 mission?

The mission's key partners include the U.S. Space Force, Air Force Research Laboratory, and the Defense Innovation Unit.