OTV-8 (X-37B) (USSF-36)
Falcon 9 Block 5. Launch Complex 39A, Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA.
Launch Successful
- Recovery
- B1092: Return to Launch Site, Landing Zone 2, successful
- 1: Horizontal Landing, Unknown, planned
1 Landed, 1 Awaiting a Report
- Your Time
- UTC
- At the Pad
OTV-8 (X-37B) (USSF-36)
SpaceX
Mission
Government/Top Secret, Low Earth Orbit
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.
Countdown Sequence
Planned offsets from T-0; confirmations link to their sources
Sequence Ended · Success
- T−00:38:00
GO for Prop Load
Launch director verifies go for propellant load
Planned Time Elapsed
- T−00:35:00
Prop Load
Start of propelland loading
Planned Time Elapsed
- T−00:35:00
Stage 1 LOX Load
Start of liquid oxygen loading in the first stage
Planned Time Elapsed
- T−00:16:00
Stage 2 LOX Load
Start of liquid oxygen loading in the second stage
Planned Time Elapsed
- T−00:07:00
Engine Chill
Start of engine chilling
Planned Time Elapsed
- T−00:01:00
Tank Press
Fuel tanks are pressurized to flight levels
Planned Time Elapsed
- T−00:01:00
Startup
The onboard computer takes control over the countdown and runs last checks
Planned Time Elapsed
- T−00:00:45
GO for Launch
Launch director verifies go for launch
Planned Time Elapsed
- T−00:00:03
Ignition
Start of the engine ignition sequence
Planned Time Elapsed
- T+00:00:00
- T+00:01:12
Max-Q
Maximum dynamic pressure
Planned Time Elapsed
- T+00:02:14
MECO
Cut-off of the main engine
Planned Time Elapsed
- T+00:02:18
Stage 2 Separation
Separation of the second stage from the first
Planned Time Elapsed
- T+00:02:25
SES-1
First start of the second engine
Planned Time Elapsed
- T+00:02:31
Booster Boostback Burn Startup
Start of the booster boostback burn
Planned Time Elapsed
- T+00:02:46
Fairing Separation
Separation of the payload fairing
Planned Time Elapsed
- T+00:03:16
Booster Boostback Burn Shutdown
End of the booster boostback burn
Planned Time Elapsed
- T+00:06:53
Entry Burn Startup
Start of the atmospheric entry burn
Planned Time Elapsed
- T+00:07:18
Entry Burn Shutdown
End of the atmospheric entry burn
Planned Time Elapsed
- T+00:08:08
Stage 1 Landing Burn
Start of the first stage landing burn
Planned Time Elapsed
- T+00:08:40
Stage 1 Landing
Landing of the first stage
Planned Time Elapsed
Change Log
Detected changes and source updates
Launch successfull.
Spacecraft separation.
Liftoff!
Updated launch weather, 90% GO.
Updated launch weather, 65% GO at start of window (80% GO at end).
GO for launch.
Refined launch window.
Added tentative launch window.
NET August 21.