OTV-1 (X-37B) (USA 212)
Atlas V 501
United Launch Alliance
Rocket Launch Video
Mission
OTV-1 (X-37B) (USA 212)
- Type: Government/Top Secret
- Orbit: Low Earth Orbit
- Launch Cost: $120,000,000
It is the first flight of Boeing X-37B, a United States Air Force Orbital Test Vehicle, which is an unmanned 5000 kg, 8.8 m-long reusable mini-spaceplane capable of autonomous re-entry and landing. The OTV-1 mission was designed to test new technologies, however the specific identity of the spaceship's payload was not revealed. OTV was the first vehicle since NASA's shuttle orbiter capable of returning experiments to Earth for further inspection and analysis. The mission concluded after 224 days in orbit, marking the first American autonomous orbital runway landing.
Location
Space Launch Complex 41
Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA
Find the best place to watch the launch from Florida
Space Launch Complex 41 has witnessed the launch of 121 rockets, including 121 orbital launch attempts. While Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA, has been the site for 1086 rocket launches.
Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) is an installation of the United States Space Force's Space Launch Delta 45, located on Cape Canaveral in Brevard County, Florida.
Rocket
United Launch Alliance Atlas V 501
Atlas V with 5m Fairing, 0 SRB, 1 Centaur upper stage engine.
Agency
United Launch Alliance
United Launch Alliance (ULA) is a joint venture of Lockheed Martin Space Systems and Boeing Defense, Space & Security. ULA was formed in December 2006 by combining the teams at these companies which provide spacecraft launch services to the government of the United States. ULA launches from both coasts of the US. They launch their Atlas V vehicle from LC-41 in Cape Canaveral and LC-3E at Vandeberg. Their Delta IV launches from LC-37 at Cape Canaveral and LC-6 at Vandenberg.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Atlas V 501 launch scheduled?
The United Launch Alliance Atlas V 501 launch carrying the OTV-1 (X-37B) (USA 212) mission was scheduled for:
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Where can I watch the Atlas V 501 launch video?
You can watch the United Launch Alliance Atlas V 501 launch video on this page. The official video includes full mission coverage with multiple camera angles, onboard views, and expert commentary covering pre-launch procedures, liftoff, stage separation, and payload deployment.
Where did the Atlas V 501 launch from?
The United Launch Alliance Atlas V 501 rocket launched from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA. Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) is an installation of the United States Space Force's Space Launch Delta 45, located on Cape Canaveral in Brevard County, Florida.
What rocket was used for the OTV-1 (X-37B) (USA 212) mission?
The OTV-1 (X-37B) (USA 212) mission launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V 501 rocket. Atlas V with 5m Fairing, 0 SRB, 1 Centaur upper stage engine. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
What weather conditions could have delayed this launch?
The Atlas V 501 launch could have been delayed by various weather conditions including lightning within 10 nautical miles, high winds (especially upper-level winds), thick cloud layers, precipitation, and poor visibility. Weather must be favorable at the launch site, downrange landing zones, and abort landing sites.
How can I get updates if the launch is delayed?
This page is updated in real-time with the latest launch status, including any delays or scrubs. You can also check our space launch schedule for the most current information. Enable push notifications through our mobile app to receive instant alerts about launch status changes, weather holds, or new launch times. We recommend following official live streams for the most immediate range updates.
