SpaceX launches 8th flight of U.S. Space Force’s Orbital Test Vehicle

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER — SpaceX successfully launched the USSF-36 mission Thursday evening, the eighth flight of U.S. Space Force’s X-37 Orbital Test Vehicle and third Falcon launch of the spacecraft, which previously launched OTV-5 and OTV-7.

The space company’s Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 11:50 p.m. on Aug. 21 from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center.

The 45th Weather Squadron gave a 35% -> 20% of poor liftoff conditions, with the primary concerns being the cumulus cloud rule and anvil cloud rules.

According to SpaceX, this was the sixth flight for the first-stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched:

Following the stage separation, the first stage landed on SpaceX’s Landing Zone 2 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, which means surrounding areas likely heard a sonic boom. 

SpaceX issued a Sonic Boom Advisory Wednesday afternoon for residents in Brevard, Orange, Osceola, Indian River, Seminole, Volusia, Polk, St. Lucie, and Okeechobee counties. One or more sonic booms may be heard during the landing, the company said, but what residents experience will depend on weather and other conditions.