KENNEDY
SPACE CENTER, Fla., Dec. 29,
2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Boeing [NYSE: BA]-built
X-37B autonomous spaceplane launched yesterday aboard a SpaceX
Falcon Heavy rocket, marking the beginning of its seventh
mission.
"The X-37B government and Boeing teams have worked together to
produce a more responsive, flexible, and adaptive experimentation
platform," said William D. Bailey,
Director, Department of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office.
"The work they've done to streamline processes and adapt evolving
technologies will help our nation learn a tremendous amount about
operating in and returning from a space environment."
As it has with every mission, the Orbital Test Vehicle will
validate new technologies, fostering innovation and pushing the
boundaries of space exploration and utility. On this seventh
flight, the X-37B will test future space domain awareness
technology experiments that are integral in ensuring safe, stable
and secure operations in space for all users of the domain.
"The technological advancements we're driving on X-37B will
benefit the broader space community, especially as we see increased
interest in space sustainability," said Michelle Parker, Space Mission Systems vice
president at Boeing Defense, Space & Security. "We are pushing
innovation and capability that will influence the next generation
of spacecraft."
Since its inaugural launch in April
2010, the X-37B has consistently set new endurance records,
surpassing the initial design mission duration of 270 days. Its
sixth mission set a new record with an impressive 908-day journey
before returning to Earth in November
2022.
The X-37B, which will now build on its more than 1.3 billion
miles traveled during its 3,774 days in space, exemplifies the
successful partnership between the Department of the Air Force
Rapid Capabilities Office and the United States Space Force. Boeing
teams deliver program management, engineering, production, test and
mission support.
In 2019, the X-37B was awarded the Robert J. Collier Trophy for
advancing the performance, efficiency and safety of air and space
vehicles.
As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops,
manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products
and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a
top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global
supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and
community impact. Boeing's diverse team is committed to innovating
for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a
culture based on the company's core values of safety, quality and
integrity. Join our team and find your purpose at
boeing.com/careers.
Contact
Zeyad Maasarani
Boeing Communications
+1-562-400-5533
zeyad.maasarani@boeing.com
Boeing Media Relations
media@boeing.com
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SOURCE Boeing