Boeing’s X-37B begins eighth orbital test flight with expanded experiment payload

Col. Brian Chatman, installation commander for Space Launch Delta 45, stated: "The data we gather from the X-37B speeds decisions, hardens our architectures, and helps Guardians stay connected and on course even in contested environments. This is how we move from promising ideas to fieldable capability at pace."

CBS reported that the SpaceX Falcon 9 provided 1.7 million pounds of thrust during launch before returning to Florida after stage separation. This marked SpaceX’s 66th booster landing in Florida and its 490th successful recovery overall.

The seventh X-37B mission ended on March 7, 2025, following more than 434 days in orbit. That flight was notable as it was the first time the spaceplane launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy Rocket into a Highly Elliptical Orbit. While details about current experiments remain limited, past missions have focused on testing robust maneuvering capabilities and technologies related to space domain awareness.

Since its first flight in 2010, the X-37B has completed seven missions covering over 1.3 billion miles and more than 4,000 days in orbit; its longest single mission lasted 908 days. The program is managed by a partnership between Boeing and various U.S. government agencies including the U.S. Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office and U.S. Space Force.

Each new flight introduces additional capabilities and experimental objectives—ranging from studies of space radiation to domain awareness—contributing to advancements in U.S. space technology efforts.

Boeing also supports other significant aerospace projects such as satellites and the CST-100 Starliner spacecraft.