Florida — SpaceX successfully launched a Falcon 9 rocket carrying the U.S. military’s X-37B space drone, a classified spacecraft shrouded in secrecy but central to America’s future space strategy.

The X-37B, operated by the U.S. Space Force, is designed for long-duration missions in orbit. While specific mission details remain undisclosed, officials confirmed it will test next-generation technologies, including laser communications and a quantum inertial sensor — innovations aimed at strengthening U.S. space-based communications and navigation systems.

This marks the seventh mission for the reusable drone, which resembles a small space shuttle and has become a symbol of America’s push to secure its dominance in space. Analysts say the mission could also have defense applications, though the Pentagon has remained tight-lipped on the full scope of its objectives.

SpaceX’s Falcon 9 booster successfully returned after liftoff, continuing the company’s track record of reusability and cost-effective launches.

As global competition in space intensifies — particularly with China and Russia advancing their own military space programs — the X-37B remains a powerful asset in the U.S. arsenal, combining secrecy with cutting-edge experimentation.