Welcome to FLORIDA TODAY's live report on the SpaceX launch of the USSF-36 mission!
The mysterious Space ForceA space plane is set to return to orbit.- and it will reveal its debut with a sonic boom.
SpaceX has verified that the launch of the Boeing-designed X-37B space vehicle will not occur before 11:50 p.m. on Thursday, August 21, fromNASA's Kennedy Space Center Launch Pad 39A.It won't be a silent debut for the Space Coast.
The X-37B of the Space Force will be launched on top of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, and approximately eight minutes following takeoff, the rocket's first stage will return to land at Cape Canaveral's Landing Zone 2. As a result,a thunderous sonic boom will echo across Brevard Countyand nearby regions just after the touchdown.
After liftoff, the rocket will follow a northeast path. This indicates that individuals located north of the Space Coast may enjoy an excellent view of the launch.
Also known as USSF-36, this mission marks the X-37B's eighth journey — which originally took off from Cape Canaveral in April 2010 aboard a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket. The Space Force calls the X-37B the Orbital Test Vehicle, and this particular mission is designated as OTV-8. This is not the first time SpaceX has launched the space plane; the company previously sent missions five (OTV-5) and seven (OTV-7).
During this mission, the X-37B will be showcasing essential space technology for extended space exploration. This involves evaluating a new sensor that will allow GPS connectivity in areas where communication was previously challenging.
In total, the X-37B has remained in space for over 4,200 days during its previous seven missions. It is unclear how long the spacecraft will stay in orbit during this particular mission.
Five minutes until the SpaceX launch in Florida
Update 11:45 p.m.: Five minutes until the X-37B spacecraft launches!
If you intend to witness this launch, it's a suitable moment to go outside.
SpaceX launched previous missions
Update 11:40 p.m.: T-10 minutes until liftoff!
This enigmatic X-37B spacecraft has been launched using both United Launch Alliance (ULA) and SpaceX rockets.
This mission represents the third instance where SpaceX has launched the X-37B for the Space Force. Earlier efforts by SpaceX involved OTV-5, which was sent into space in September 2017 using a Falcon 9 rocket, and OTV-7, which took off in December 2023 aboard a Falcon Heavy rocket.
United Launch Alliance was involved in the sixth mission in December 2020. The mission took off using an Atlas V rocket from Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
SpaceX launch webcast begins
Update 10:31 p.m.: The SpaceX launch live stream, available on X (formerly known as Twitter), is now displayed above, just beneath the countdown timer.
Launch is set to occur in 19 minutes from NASA's Kennedy Space Center Pad 39A.
SpaceX's launch of an enigmatic Space Force spacecraft
Update 11:25 p.m.:This journey marks the eighth mission for the Space Force's Boeing-designed X-37B space shuttle – also known as the Orbital Test Vehicle.
The flight is named OTV-8. The mission is known as USSF-36.
Launch is scheduled for 11:50 p.m.
The weather appears favorable for the upcoming SpaceX launch in Florida.
Update 11:18 p.m.: SpaceX is set to start adding fuel before tonight's launch.
The weather is now 90% favorable.
SpaceX launch countdown timeline
Update 11:15 p.m.:Here's an inside look at SpaceX's countdown schedule. T-minus:
- 38 minutes:SpaceX launch director confirms "go" for fueling.
- 35 minutes:Rocket fuel and liquid oxygen for the first stage are being loaded.
- 16 minutes:Second-stage liquid oxygen injection starts.
- 7 minutes:Falcon 9 initiates engine cooling before liftoff.
- 1 minute:The command flight computer initiates final pre-launch inspections; the propellant tank's pressurization to operational pressure starts.
- 45 seconds:SpaceX launch director confirms "go" for the mission.
- 3 seconds:The engine controller initiates the ignition sequence to start the engine.
- 0 seconds: Liftoff.
SpaceX's launch of an enigmatic Space Force spacecraft
Update 11:10 p.m.:This journey will mark the eighth operation for the Space Force's Boeing-designed X-37B unmanned spacecraft – also known as the Orbital Test Vehicle.
The flight is named OTV-8. The mission is known as USSF-36.
Launch is scheduled for 11:50 p.m. from NASA's Kennedy Space Center Pad 39A.
SpaceX's launch in Florida: the USSF-36 mission
Update 11:02 p.m.:William Blauser, Acting Director of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, describes the eighth mission of the X-37B as "the U.S. Space Force's top testing facility for essential space technologies of the future."
Preparation for SpaceX launch is ongoing in Brevard
Update 10:55 p.m.:Officials from Brevard County Emergency Management have deployed the agency's launch operations support team in preparation for SpaceX's upcoming Falcon 9 mission.
Launch is scheduled for 11:50 p.m.
SpaceX's launch will create a sonic boom in Cape Canaveral.
Update 10:50 p.m.:Take note - the launch tonight will not be silent. Approximately eight minutes into the flight, you can anticipate a sonic boom as the booster returns to Cape Canaveral's Landing Zone 2.
Launch is scheduled within an hour from NASA's Kennedy Space Center Pad 39A.
SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch from Florida with booster information
Update 10:40 p.m.:Why is the rocket's booster stained with soot in the image of the launch pad?
This is because the booster is undergoing its sixth flight, having previously launched two Starlink missions, NROL-69, CRS-32, and GPS III-7.
Scene of the SpaceX rocket at Kennedy Space Center Pad 39A
Update 10:30 p.m.: SpaceX has shared an image showing the Falcon 9 rocket and X-37B spacecraft standing vertically on the launch pad in preparation for tonight's launch.
The space shuttle cannot be seen because it is enclosed within the protective casing on top of the rocket.
SpaceX launch in Florida's weather conditions
Update 10:20 p.m.: The 45thThe Weather Squadron predicts a 65 to 80 percent likelihood of suitable conditions for tonight's launch.
The launch is scheduled for 11:50 p.m. from NASA's Kennedy Space Center Pad 39A.
Brooke Edwards works as a Space Correspondent for Florida Today. Reach out to her atbedwards@ or on X: @brookeofstars.
This piece first was published on Florida Today:Live updates: A SpaceX rocket is set to launch a classified X-37B space plane for the Space Force in Florida.