US Space Force's X-37B Spaceplane Completes 434-Day Mission in Orbit

The unmanned, reusable spacecraft demonstrated advanced orbital maneuvers and tested classified technologies before landing in California.

The X-37B, a robotic spaceplane operated by the US Space Force, returned to Earth after completing its seventh mission lasting 434 days in orbit.
This mission marked the first time the X-37B was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, entering a highly elliptical orbit for its operations.
The spacecraft successfully conducted aerobraking maneuvers, using atmospheric drag to adjust its orbit with minimal fuel consumption, while also disposing of service module components safely.
The mission tested advanced technologies, including space domain awareness systems, radiation effect experiments, and autonomous orbital operations, though specific details remain classified.
The X-37B program, originally developed by NASA and now managed by the Department of Defense, has logged over 4,000 cumulative days in space across its seven missions.