X-37B blasts off on latest mission
The US Space Force (USSF) on 17 May completed the sixth mission launch of the Boeing-built X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV), as part of the US National Security Space Launch programme.
The launch was carried out for the USAF Rapid Capabilities Office, using a United Launch Alliance Atlas V 501 launch vehicle Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida.
‘The National Security Space Launch programme leverages commercial launch services to deliver the Nation’s most critical space capabilities safely to orbit,” said Col Rob Bongiovi of the Space and Missile Systems Center, which is the main USAF unit for acquiring and developing military space systems.
Seven more National Security Space missions for scheduled in 2020. The first OTV was launched in April 2010and operated in low-Earth orbit for approximately eight months.
More from Defence Notes
-
![UK urged to prioritise sea, air and space over heavy armour]()
UK urged to prioritise sea, air and space over heavy armour
A report from the Council on Geostrategy argues the UK should move away from a traditional balanced force and shift investment to naval, air and space capabilities, backed by a larger fleet of attack submarines and deeper AUKUS integration.
-
![Orchestrating operational readiness across every defence domain]()
Orchestrating operational readiness across every defence domain
Are all systems ready for the next mission? Have upgrades been applied? Are all assets aligned to deploy together, on time and fully prepared? In modern defence operations, readiness is no longer measured platform by platform. It is measured by how well people, assets, data and decisions move together — across land, sea and air.
-
![Global tensions drive defence supply chain scrutiny]()
Global tensions drive defence supply chain scrutiny
Governments worldwide are scrambling to decouple defence supply chains from dependency upon strategic rivals, but countries could struggle to do it all themselves.
-
![How deepening AI usage can boost efficiency and maximise effects for forces]()
How deepening AI usage can boost efficiency and maximise effects for forces
Saab has outlined how it is using artificial intelligence to make training more like electronic gaming, while the UK’s Power Size Technologies is applying the same technology to better evaluate and design vehicle capability, moving AI-enabled innovation further upstream from the frontline.
-
![From systems integrator to multi-domain solutions provider (video)]()
From systems integrator to multi-domain solutions provider (video)
Philipp von Brandenstein, Head of Corporate Communications at Rheinmetall, explains how Eurosatory 2026 marked a new stage in the company's evolution.
