Boeing-built X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle Embarks on Seventh Mission
January 2, 2024 | BoeingEstimated reading time: 1 minute
The Boeing-built X-37B autonomous spaceplane launched yesterday aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, marking the beginning of its seventh mission.
"The X-37B government and Boeing teams have worked together to produce a more responsive, flexible, and adaptive experimentation platform," said William D. Bailey, Director, Department of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office. "The work they've done to streamline processes and adapt evolving technologies will help our nation learn a tremendous amount about operating in and returning from a space environment."
As it has with every mission, the Orbital Test Vehicle will validate new technologies, fostering innovation and pushing the boundaries of space exploration and utility. On this seventh flight, the X-37B will test future space domain awareness technology experiments that are integral in ensuring safe, stable and secure operations in space for all users of the domain.
"The technological advancements we're driving on X-37B will benefit the broader space community, especially as we see increased interest in space sustainability," said Michelle Parker, Space Mission Systems vice president at Boeing Defense, Space & Security. "We are pushing innovation and capability that will influence the next generation of spacecraft."
Since its inaugural launch in April 2010, the X-37B has consistently set new endurance records, surpassing the initial design mission duration of 270 days. Its sixth mission set a new record with an impressive 908-day journey before returning to Earth in November 2022.
The X-37B, which will now build on its more than 1.3 billion miles traveled during its 3,774 days in space, exemplifies the successful partnership between the Department of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office and the United States Space Force. Boeing teams deliver program management, engineering, production, test and mission support.
In 2019, the X-37B was awarded the Robert J. Collier Trophy for advancing the performance, efficiency and safety of air and space vehicles.
Suggested Items
Benchmark Celebrates Expansion of World-Class Facility in Brasov, Romania
07/26/2024 | PRNewswireBenchmark Electronics, Inc., a global provider of engineering, design, and manufacturing services, celebrated the opening of its significantly expanded presence in Brasov, Romania, continuing the company's investment in the region.
Altair Signs MoU With University of Nottingham to Develop Aerospace Digital Twin Project
07/25/2024 | PRNewswireAltair, a global leader in computational intelligence, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the U.K.-based University of Nottingham for a digital twin project within the aerospace sector.
Collins Aerospace Relocating Singapore Plant to New $250M Manufacturing Facility in Seletar Aerospace Park, Singapore
07/25/2024 | Collins AerospaceCollins Aerospace, an RTX business, announced the relocation of its Singapore manufacturing facility to a new, state-of-the-art site in Seletar Aerospace Park, Singapore.
Innovative and Cost-effective BGA Re-balling
07/23/2024 | Shavi Spinzi, Nano Dimension/EssemtecA new, high-quality BGA re-balling process, which is integrated into an all-in-one solution of dispensing and placement equipment developed by Essemtec, brings new opportunities for the reapplication of expensive BGA components. This new method seamlessly integrates the sequence of flux deposition and ball (sphere) placement with the subsequent soldering process.
American Standard Circuits to Exhibit at Space and Missile Defense Symposium 2024
07/22/2024 | American Standard CircuitsAmerican Standard Circuits will be exhibiting at The Space and Missile Defense Symposium 2024 (SMD 2024), Aug. 6-8, 2024, at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, Alabama.