Mysterious X-37B Space Plane Captures Earth from Orbit
It’s not every day we get a glimpse into the activities of a mysterious space plane in orbit. This week, the US Space Force shared a remarkable image captured by the X-37B space plane, offering a rare view of Earth from space. The photograph, taken last year, showcases a portion of the craft itself against the backdrop of our blue planet.
The X-37B’s Seventh Mission
The X-37B launched on its seventh mission at the end of 2023. Details about this mission remain shrouded in secrecy, much like its previous flights. Its last mission, which concluded in 2022, set a new endurance record for the space plane, logging an impressive 908 days in orbit.
A Rare Glimpse into Space
While the photograph doesn’t reveal much about the X-37B’s current mission, it provides a unique perspective of the space plane in action. “An X-37B onboard camera, used to ensure the health and safety of the vehicle, captures an image of Earth while conducting experiments in HEO in 2024,” the Space Force wrote on X.
Innovative Aerobraking Maneuvers
One notable aspect of the current mission is the X-37B’s first attempt at aerobraking, a fuel-efficient method of changing orbit using Earth’s atmospheric drag. The Space Force confirmed in October that the vehicle had begun this process, and recent updates indicate its success. “The X-37B executed a series of first-of-kind maneuvers, called aerobraking, to safely change its orbit using minimal fuel,” the Space Force noted. The duration of the mission remains uncertain.
