X-37B blasts off on latest mission
The US Space Force (USSF) on 17 May completed the sixth mission launch of the Boeing-built X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV), as part of the US National Security Space Launch programme.
The launch was carried out for the USAF Rapid Capabilities Office, using a United Launch Alliance Atlas V 501 launch vehicle Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida.
‘The National Security Space Launch programme leverages commercial launch services to deliver the Nation's most critical space capabilities safely to orbit," said Col Rob Bongiovi of the Space and Missile Systems Center, which is the main USAF unit for acquiring and developing military space systems.
Seven more National Security Space missions for scheduled in 2020. The first OTV was launched in April 2010and operated in low-Earth orbit for approximately eight months.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Trump enters the White House promising into bring the US military to a “golden age”]()
Trump enters the White House promising into bring the US military to a “golden age”
The returning US president also reiterated a commitment to supply the services with “made-in-America” capabilities and to end conflicts worldwide.
-
![Incoming Irish government backs plans for larger defence force]()
Incoming Irish government backs plans for larger defence force
It has been more than six weeks since the Irish general election. After long negotiations, a coalition of two of the three largest parties and independents has resulted in a Programme for Government (PfG) which will form the basis of a government almost guaranteed to be formed on 22 January.
-
![Top-level commitments but no meat in UK Defence Industrial Strategy’s Statement of Intent]()
Top-level commitments but no meat in UK Defence Industrial Strategy’s Statement of Intent
The initial document focused more on creating the right partnerships and inspiring investment in defence than on any details of how future UK Armed Forces would be armed.
-
![UK begins process on new industrial strategy]()
UK begins process on new industrial strategy
The first stage of developing a new UK Defence Industrial Strategy has highlighted failings in current structures with solutions expected to be proposed in next year’s full strategy.
-
![Romanians put pro-Russian candidate into presidential runoff even as the government spends west]()
Romanians put pro-Russian candidate into presidential runoff even as the government spends west
Romania joined NATO more than two decades ago and the country is vital to the alliance’s geographic reach and its ability to supply Ukraine with weapons.
