Question 1

What rocket is launching OTV-8 (X-37B) (USSF-36)?

Accepted Answer

OTV-8 (X-37B) (USSF-36) is launching on the Falcon 9 Block 5.

Question 2

Who is launching OTV-8 (X-37B) (USSF-36)?

Accepted Answer

OTV-8 (X-37B) (USSF-36) is being launched by SpaceX, a commercial launch provider founded in 2002.

Question 3

Where is OTV-8 (X-37B) (USSF-36) launching from?

Accepted Answer

OTV-8 (X-37B) (USSF-36) is launching from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA.

Question 4

What orbit is OTV-8 (X-37B) (USSF-36) heading to?

Accepted Answer

OTV-8 (X-37B) (USSF-36) is heading to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

Question 5

Is the Falcon 9 Block 5 reusable?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the Falcon 9 Block 5 is designed to be reused, with boosters that can fly multiple missions.

Question 6

How many times has the Falcon 9 Block 5 flown?

Accepted Answer

The Falcon 9 Block 5 has launched 612 times to date, with 610 successful flights.

Question 7

What is the OTV-8 (X-37B) (USSF-36) mission?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

Where is the Kennedy Space Center?

Accepted Answer

NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center is on Merritt Island, Florida, immediately north of Cape Canaveral. Named for President Kennedy in 1963, it has been the United States' primary human-spaceflight launch site since the 1960s.

Question 9

Which rockets launch from the Kennedy Space Center?

Accepted Answer

SpaceX leases Launch Complex 39A for Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy and crewed Dragon missions, while NASA launches the Space Launch System for the Artemis Moon programme from Launch Complex 39B.

Question 10

Did Apollo and the Space Shuttle launch from Kennedy?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the Launch Complex 39 pads sent every Apollo Moon mission and every Space Shuttle crew on their way, including Apollo 11 in 1969 and the first shuttle flight, STS-1, in 1981.

Question 11

What's the difference between the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral?

Accepted Answer

They are separate, neighbouring sites. Kennedy is NASA's centre on Merritt Island; Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, just to the south, is run by the U.S. Space Force. Together they make up Florida's Space Coast.

Question 12

Can you watch a launch from the Kennedy Space Center?

Accepted Answer

The closest public viewing is from the ticketed Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, which runs launch-day bus packages. Free off-site views are best from Playalinda Beach and the Titusville riverfront.

OTV-8 (X-37B) (USSF-36)

Flight Timeline

Overview

Mission details

Launch Window

Launch Complex 39A

Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA

Frequently asked questions