Falcon 9 Block 5 — mission imagery
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OTV-8 (X-37B) (USSF-36)

Falcon 9 Block 5SpaceXLaunch Complex 39A
Friday, August 22, 2025 · 03:50 AM UTCAdd to Calendar

This mission is complete.

Vehicle

Falcon 9 Block 5

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Falcon 9 is a two-stage rocket designed and manufactured by SpaceX for the reliable and safe transport of satellites and the Dragon spacecraft into orbit. The Block 5 variant is the fif...

Height70 m
LEO Payload22,800 kg
Launches832
Successes687

Provider

USA • Founded 2002

Space Exploration Technologies Corp., known as SpaceX, is an American aerospace manufacturer and space transport services company headquartered in Hawthorne, California. It was founded in 2002 by entrepreneur E...

Mission Brief

Eighth flight of the X-37B program. The X-37B is a dynamic and responsive spacecraft responsible for conducting a range of tests and experiments that expedite the development of critical next-generation technologies and operational concepts for reusable space capabilities. The OTV-8 mission in Low Earth Orbit includes operational demonstrations and experiments of next-generation technologies, including laser communications and the highest performing strategic grade quantum inertial sensor ever tested in space. Mission partners include the Air Force Research Lab and the Defense Innovation Unit, respectively.

PayloadOTV-8 (X-37B) (USSF-36)
OrbitLow Earth Orbit
CustomerSpaceX
Stages2
PadLaunch Complex 39A, Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA
WeatherCumulus Cloud Rule, Anvil Cloud Rules, temperature not reported

Mission Timeline

20 / 20100%

Ground vector

Launch site

Site locked

Launch Complex 39A

Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA

Global range
SITE LOCK
Latitude
28.608°N
Longitude
80.604°W

Range Weather

Launch commit criteria

90%
GO
Favorable2 active constraints
Weather Rules
Cumulus Cloud RuleAnvil Cloud Rules
Primary concern
Cumulus Cloud Rule
Rule count
2
Temperature
Not reported
Surface wind
Not reported
Window

03:40 AM UTC - 07:40 AM UTC

Schedule History

No delays or schedule changes recorded.