X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle Launched with Falcon 9 Rocket

September 13, 2017 - The United States Air Force launched its X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV) with a Falcon 9 rocket last week from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This launch marked the start of the OTV’s fifth mission – and first aboard a SpaceX launch vehicle. Shortly after the launch, the first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket made another successful vertical landing. 

Manufactured by Boeing, the X-37B is a reusable, unmanned spacecraft that can be used as a testing platform for technological research and development in flight advancement. Although the exact purpose  of this mission is unknown, the Air Force explained that small satellites are on board, as well as the Advanced Structurally Embedded Thermal Spreader (ASETS – II) which will measure performance of an oscillating heat pipe (OHP). The X-37 spacecraft was built for long-duration missions in orbit and can remain in orbit for nearly two years. Its fourth mission ended earlier this year after 718 days in orbit. 

VPT is proud to have parts on board both X-37 and Falcon 9, and we look forward to the technological advancements that this mission yields.