An Air Force-industry team launches the Boeing-built X-37B orbital test vehicle, the first of a new unmanned, reusable space test platform, into space at 7:52 p.m. EDT from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., via a United Launch Alliance Atlas V expendable booster.
The Air Force has embraced new technical approaches like open mission systems and rapid software updates for cutting-edge aircraft like the B-21 and Collaborative Combat Aircraft. Increasingly, though, the service is also working to apply these to its older, “legacy” aircraft, officials said this week.