Boeing-built X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle Embarks on Seventh Mission

Beginning its seventh mission, the Boeing-built X-37B autonomous spacecraft took off yesterday atop a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket.

The Orbital Test Vehicle, as it has on every mission, will verify novel technologies, encouraging creativity and expanding the frontiers of space exploration and utility. boeing orbital flight test 2 The X-37B will test upcoming space domain awareness technology experiments on this seventh flight, which is essential to guaranteeing safe, stable, and secure operations in space for all users of the domain.

Ever since its first launch in April 2010, the X-37B has routinely broken endurance records, going above and beyond the original mission design duration of 270 days. Prior to arriving back on Earth in November 2022, its sixth mission accomplished an astounding 908-day journey, setting a new record.

The X-37B is a prime example of the Department of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office and the United States Space Force’s successful collaboration. It will now expand on its more than 1.3 billion miles travelled during its 3,774 days in space. Programme management, engineering, production, testing, and mission support are all provided by Boeing teams.