US Space Force Shares First Image of X-37B Space Plane in Orbit

The image, taken during its seventh mission, highlights experimental aerobraking maneuvers and high-altitude operations.

The X-37B space plane, launched in December 2023 aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, has been in orbit for over a year on its seventh mission.
An onboard camera captured and released the first-ever public image of the spacecraft in orbit, showing part of its solar panels and payload bay above Earth.
The mission includes first-of-its-kind aerobraking maneuvers, using atmospheric drag to safely alter its orbit with minimal fuel consumption.
The X-37B is conducting experiments such as testing radiation effects on materials for NASA and advancing space domain awareness technologies in high-altitude orbits.
While specific details of the mission remain classified, the X-37B continues to demonstrate reusable spacecraft technologies and push boundaries in space operations.