US Space Force Unveils Stunning Image from the Enigmatic X-37B Space Plane in Orbit

The US Space Force has unveiled a captivating image captured by its secretive X-37B space plane, which is orbiting Earth.

Since its debut in 2010, the X-37B has spent more than 4,000 days in space across seven missions. The latest mission kicked off in December 2023 and has kept the plane flying high for over a year now.

Details about the space plane and its missions are mostly classified, but the Space Force has shared a few insights. In October 2024, they announced that the X-37B would attempt a unique maneuver while in high-Earth orbit. This maneuver aims to adjust its orbit and safely dispose of components, aligning with guidelines to reduce space debris.

Space Force explained, “The aerobraking maneuver uses Earth’s atmosphere to change orbits while conserving fuel.” Once this maneuver wraps up, the X-37B will continue its experiments until they’re completed, after which it will safely return to Earth, just like in its previous missions.

On February 21, Space Force shared a striking image from an onboard camera. It showed part of the X-37B along with a lovely view of Earth. They noted, “The X-37B executed a series of first-of-its-kind maneuvers, known as aerobraking, to safely change its orbit using minimal fuel.”

The X-37B has a design reminiscent of NASA’s space shuttles, but its exact mission goals remain a mystery. Some speculate it might be launching spy satellites or testing concepts like the EmDrive propulsion system. Theories about it being a “space bomber” arose early on, but experts dismissed these as unrealistic due to fuel constraints.

According to the Air Force, the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle is a program to test technologies for a reusable, unmanned spacecraft. Its main goals are to advance reusable spacecraft technologies and conduct experiments that can be examined on Earth afterward. This includes developing advanced guidance systems, thermal protection, lightweight structures, and autonomous flight capabilities.

For now, the public is left with limited access to information about this intriguing space plane soaring above us, while the military keeps its secrets close at hand.

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