A U.S. military mini-shuttle launched into space from Florida on Thursday to conduct classified experiments in orbit.

The uncrewed X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on Thursday evening aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket .

The mission, the eighth flight for Boeing's reusable X-37B, will test high-bandwidth inter-satellite laser communications and enhanced space navigation using the highest performing quantum inertial sensor, the U.S. Space Force said.

Why It Matters

The flight underscores growing U.S. efforts to develop resilient space capabilities that could support military and national-security uses beyond conventional satellite systems.

It comes as militaries around the world are expanding their investments in space-based communications and navigati

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