U.S. Space Force releases a rare image of the mysterious X-37B spaceplane in orbit (X @latestinspace)
The United States Space Force has released a rare image of the X-37B spaceplane, a project developed in partnership with Boeing to test reusable space vehicle technologies.
Despite having completed more than four thousand days in orbital missions, its exact purpose remains a mystery. The photo, published on the social network X, shows part of the spacecraft in orbit, capturing a view of Earth while conducting experiments in 2024.
According to the Space Force, the X-37B carries out risk reduction testing, experimentation, and operational concept development, but specific details have never been disclosed. Among the evaluated technologies are thermal protection systems, autonomous orbital flight, and advanced propulsion. One of the maneuvers performed, called aerobraking, uses atmospheric friction to alter its orbit with minimal fuel consumption.
Boeing Space released a video explaining this strategy, highlighting that after completing aerobraking, the spacecraft continues its tests until the end of the mission, when it returns to Earth in a controlled landing.
The U.S. Space Force, responsible for the project, was created in 2019 during the Trump administration and became the sixth branch of the country’s Armed Forces.
Source: Olhar Digital | Photo: X @latestinspace | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
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 X-37B executed a series of first-of-kind maneuvers, called aerobraking, to safely change its orbit using minimal fuel. pic.twitter.com/ccisgl493P
— United States Space Force (@SpaceForceDoD) February 21, 2025
