Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman discussed the forthcoming mission, which will launch from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, in a series of posts on X, formerly Twitter.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s about making our joint force more connected, more resilient and ready to operate in the face of any challenge,\u201d Saltzman said. \u201cThat\u2019s how America\u2019s Space Force secures our nation\u2019s interests in, from and to space.\u201d<\/p>\n For the communications experiment, the service will coordinate with commercial satellite networks in low Earth orbit, about 1,200 miles above the Earth\u2019s surface, to\u00a0demonstrate laser communications<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 a technology that enables larger amounts of data to be transmitted more securely than traditional radio frequencies.<\/p>\n \u201cThe use of proliferated relay networks enhances the resilience of U.S. space architectures by ensuring that they contain no single point of failure,\u201d the Space Force said.<\/p>\n The quantum sensing demonstration will feature the highest performing quantum inertial sensor that\u2019s ever been used in space, according to the service. The sensor is designed to support navigation in orbit without GPS or other satellite networks.<\/p>\n \u201cThis technology is useful for navigation in GPS-denied environments and consequently will enhance the navigational resilience of U.S. spacecraft in the face of current and emerging threats,\u201d the service said. \u201cAs quantum inertial sensors would be useful for navigation in cis\u00adlunar space, they additionally promise to push the technological frontiers of long-distance space travel and exploration.\u201d<\/p>\n The Fifth Space Operations Squadron at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, DC, conducts X-37B operations and experiments in partnership with the Space Rapid Capabilities Office.<\/p>\n The service didn\u2019t describe the length of the mission or list any other experiments. It\u2019s last X-37B flight flew for 434 days,\u00a0returning in March of this year<\/a>. Among that mission\u2019s milestones was the demonstration of a series of aerobraking maneuvers that allowed the space vehicle to change orbits using minimal fuel.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.fie.undef.edu.ar\/ceptm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/B7LNYT4THRFKXNKTYPAPGMXHPI-683x1024.jpg\")