Mystery Shuttle: SpaceX Launches Classified X-37B Mission

SpaceX launched a US military mini shuttle on a classified mission from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The uncrewed X-37B space plane, on its eighth flight, will test laser communications and navigation without GPS. These Boeing-made shuttles have been operational since 2010, with missions lasting months to years.

Devdiscourse News Desk | Washington DC | Updated: 22-08-2025 09:35 IST | Created: 22-08-2025 09:35 IST

Mystery Shuttle: SpaceX Launches Classified X-37B Mission — This image is AI-generated and does not depict any real-life event or location. It is a fictional representation created for illustrative purposes only.

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SpaceX has successfully launched a US military mini shuttle to carry out secretive assignments in orbit. The uncrewed spacecraft, known as the X-37B, took off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on Thursday night.

This marks the eighth mission for the X-37B test vehicles, as confirmed by the US Space Force. The current deployment aims to evaluate laser communication systems and explore GPS-free navigation solutions.

Boeing engineered the reusable X-37B space planes in 2010, measuring 9 meters in length with a wingspan close to 4.5 meters. Previous flights varied in duration, with one mission recently completing over a year in operation before returning to Earth in March.

(With inputs from agencies.)