OTV-8 (X-37B) (USSF-36)
Falcon 9 Block 5, SpaceX
Launch Complex 39A, Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA
Launch time
T-0
Fri 22 Aug, 05:50 CEST
03:50 UTC
The rocket put its payload into the planned orbit.
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How sure is this date?
The source gives minute precision. Launch plans can change.
Launch probability 90%
Weather concerns: Cumulus Cloud Rule, Anvil Cloud Rules
Launch record updated by LL2
Feed checkedMission
OTV-8 (X-37B) (USSF-36) on Falcon 9 Block 5. Fri 22 Aug 2025, 03:50 UTC. Reported outcome: Success. Launch site: Launch Complex 39A. Source: Launch Library 2.
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.
- Mission type
- Government/Top Secret
- Orbit
- Low Earth Orbit
Rocket file imagery
File imagery: Crew-9, 28 September 2024. Falcon 9 lifting off from Space Launch Complex 40.
Credit: NASA/Keegan Barber · Public domain (NASA) · SourceMission patches
- USSF-36
Patch artwork is not shown because its image licence is unconfirmed.
Launch timeline
Times are relative to liftoff.
- T-38 min
GO for Prop Load
Launch director verifies go for propellant load
- T-35 min
Stage 1 LOX Load
Start of liquid oxygen loading in the first stage
- T-35 min
Prop Load
Start of propelland loading
- T-16 min
Stage 2 LOX Load
Start of liquid oxygen loading in the second stage
- T-7 min
Engine Chill
Start of engine chilling
- T-1 min
Startup
The onboard computer takes control over the countdown and runs last checks
- T-1 min
Tank Press
Fuel tanks are pressurized to flight levels
- T-45 s
GO for Launch
Launch director verifies go for launch
- T-3 s
Ignition
Start of the engine ignition sequence
- T-0
Liftoff
First upwards movement of the rocket
- T+1 min 12 s
Max-Q
Maximum dynamic pressure
- T+2 min 14 s
MECO
Cut-off of the main engine
- T+2 min 18 s
Stage 2 Separation
Separation of the second stage from the first
- T+2 min 25 s
SES-1
First start of the second engine
- T+2 min 31 s
Booster Boostback Burn Startup
Start of the booster boostback burn
- T+2 min 46 s
Fairing Separation
Separation of the payload fairing
- T+3 min 16 s
Booster Boostback Burn Shutdown
End of the booster boostback burn
- T+6 min 53 s
Entry Burn Startup
Start of the atmospheric entry burn
- T+7 min 18 s
Entry Burn Shutdown
End of the atmospheric entry burn
- T+8 min 8 s
Stage 1 Landing Burn
Start of the first stage landing burn
- T+8 min 40 s
Stage 1 Landing
Landing of the first stage
Slip history
Changes recorded by Space Right Now
No changes since we started tracking on .
Source updates from Launch Library 2 (9)
Announcements supplied by LL2 may predate our tracking. They are separate from changes observed by Space Right Now.
- LL2 update
Launch successfull.
Read the source update - LL2 update
Spacecraft separation.
Read the source update - LL2 update
Liftoff!
Read the source update - LL2 update
Updated launch weather, 90% GO.
Read the source update - LL2 update
Updated launch weather, 65% GO at start of window (80% GO at end).
Read the source update - LL2 update
GO for launch.
Read the source update - LL2 update
Refined launch window.
Read the source update - LL2 update
Added tentative launch window.
Read the source update - LL2 update
NET August 21.
Read the source update
Launch pad
Launch Complex 39A
Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA (US)
Coordinates: 28.60822681, -80.60428186
View launch pad on a map