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.
You may also like
More from Defence Notes
-
![US Pentagon pushes for major reform of defence acquisition system]()
US Pentagon pushes for major reform of defence acquisition system
The US Department of Defense has requested new contracting authorities from Congress, using the Army's MV-75 Cheyenne programme to demonstrate how competition, digital engineering and closer industry collaboration could accelerate acquisitions.
-
![US speeds up B61-13 nuclear bomb production as programme moves further ahead of schedule]()
US speeds up B61-13 nuclear bomb production as programme moves further ahead of schedule
The US government plans to accelerate production even further after achieving key B61-13 milestones months ahead of schedule, as the programme advances amid growing US-China strategic competition.
-
![Canada’s C$2 billion ACSV deal reinforces new defence industrial strategy as allies align]()
Canada’s C$2 billion ACSV deal reinforces new defence industrial strategy as allies align
General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada is the country’s first strategic partner under the Defence Industrial Strategy’s Strategic Partnership Framework, an effort to provide companies with confidence to invest and boost the defence labour force.
-
![New UK armed forces minister frames High North defence as vital to “homeland security”]()
New UK armed forces minister frames High North defence as vital to “homeland security”
The UK’s Minister for the Armed Forces Louise Sandher-Jones made her first appearance in the role before the House of Commons Defence Committee this week to highlight efforts to improve capability in the High North.
-
![Canada seeks to strengthen industrial ties with the US on classified programmes]()
Canada seeks to strengthen industrial ties with the US on classified programmes
Ottawa explores expanding defence-industrial cooperation with Washington into sensitive programmes, an approach that could reshape NORAD modernisation, strengthen North American supply chains and create new opportunities for defence contractors.
