Success
OTV-8 (X-37B) (USSF-36)
Government/Top Secret
SpaceX(SpX)CommercialFalcon 9 Block 5
LEOorbit
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.
Friday, August 22, 2025 at 3:50 AM
Replay
Flight Timeline
- T-38:00GO for Prop Load
- T-35:00Stage 1 LOX Load
- T-35:00Prop Load
- T-16:00Stage 2 LOX Load
- T-07:00Engine Chill
- T-01:00Startup
- T-01:00Tank Press
- T-00:45GO for Launch
- T-00:03Ignition
- T+00:00Liftoff
- T+01:12Max-Q
- T+02:14MECO
- T+02:18Stage 2 Separation
- T+02:25SES-1
- T+02:31Booster Boostback Burn Startup
- T+02:46Fairing Separation
- T+03:16Booster Boostback Burn Shutdown
- T+06:53Entry Burn Startup
- T+07:18Entry Burn Shutdown
- T+08:08Stage 1 Landing Burn
- T+08:40Stage 1 Landing
Links
Mission details
Orbital Attempt
#7,038
SpX Mission
#553
Pad Launch
#212
Location Launch
#270
Designator
2025-183
Weather GO
90%
Weather Concerns
Cumulus Cloud Rule, Anvil Cloud Rules
Launch Window
NET
Aug 22, 2025, 3:50 AM
Precision
Minute
Schedule Changes
1 update
Falcon 9 Block 5 Specs
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 fifth major interval aimed at improving upon the ability for rapid reusability.
Length
70 m
Diameter
3.65 m
Launch Mass
549 t
Thrust
7,607 kN
LEO Capacity
22,800 kg
GTO Capacity
8,300 kg
Launch Cost
$52M
Reusable
Yes
Maiden Flight
2018
Fastest Turnaround
1h 5m
Total Launches
586
Successful
585
Failed
1
Consecutive Success
288
Maiden flight: May 11, 2018
Social Flight Log
- Aug 22, 2025, 2:35 PM
Launch successfull.
Source - Aug 22, 2025, 7:39 AM
Spacecraft separation.
Source - Aug 22, 2025, 3:50 AM
Liftoff!
Source - Aug 22, 2025, 3:19 AM
Updated launch weather, 90% GO.
Source - Aug 20, 2025, 4:56 PM
Updated launch weather, 65% GO at start of window (80% GO at end).
Source - Aug 20, 2025, 12:50 AM
GO for launch.
Source - Aug 18, 2025, 12:48 AM
Refined launch window.
Source - Aug 17, 2025, 7:29 AM
Added tentative launch window.
Source - Jul 28, 2025, 1:50 PM
NET August 21.
Source
SpaceX
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 Elon Musk with the goal of reducing space transportation costs and enabling the colonization of Mars. SpaceX operates from many pads, on the East Coast of the US they operate from SLC-40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and historic LC-39A at Kennedy Space Center. They also operate from SLC-4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, usually for polar launches. Another launch site is being developed at Boca Chica, Texas.
Founded
2002
Administrator
CEO: Elon Musk
Total Launches
681
Successful
666
Failed
15
Pending
120
Consecutive Success
166
Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA
The John F. Kennedy Space Center, located on Merritt Island, Florida, is one of NASA's ten field centers. Since 1968, KSC has been NASA's primary launch center of American spaceflight, research, and technology. Launch operations for the Apollo, Skylab and Space Shuttle programs were carried out from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39 and managed by KSC. Located on the east coast of Florida, KSC is adjacent to Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS).
Timezone
America/New_York
Local Launch Time
Aug 21, 2025, 11:50 PM
Total Launches
281
Total Landings
0
Coordinates
28.5242, -80.6508