18 May 2020: In a partnership mission between the Department of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office and the United States Space Force, Boeing's sixth X-37B autonomous space plane launched successfully. The plane was launched on top of uniquely configured United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket and is the first one to use a service module with additional payload capability.
In a partnership mission between the Department of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office and the United States Space Force, Boeing's sixth X-37B autonomous space plane launched successfully. The plane was launched on top of uniquely configured United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket and is the first one to use a service module with additional payload capability.
Praising the sixth mission of X-37B, Jim Chilton, Boeing Space and Launch senior vice president said, "The X-37B has shifted the paradigm and redefined efficiency in space development. The rapid technology advancements enabled by the program will benefit the entire space community and influence the next generation of spacecraft design."
Being the prime contractor for X-37B, Boeing is facilitating the integration of all experiments in the vehicle to ensure that they receive correct power, thermal and data services required. Also, all the program management, engineering, test and mission support functions for the Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV) program are conducted at Boeing sites in Southern California and Florida. Boeing also works to identify future reusable platform experiment opportunities on each mission.