For the first time, the United States Space Force has publicly released an image of its classified X-37B space plane in orbit, providing a rare insight into one of the most secretive spacecraft in use. The image, taken by an onboard camera, shows Earth in the background with the X-37B’s solar panel and open payload bay partially visible.
The Boeing-built X-37B has been in orbit for more than a year, having launched on its seventh mission on December 28, 2023, atop a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. Previously, the only known video of the spacecraft in orbit was a brief excerpt from a SpaceX launch stream. The new image is the first official proof of the vehicle’s presence in orbit.
While the photo does not provide any vital information, it reveals that the X-37B is operating at a greater altitude than prior missions. The vehicle’s mission remains unknown, but the Space Force says it is testing new space technology like as orbital manoeuvres and radiation exposure research.
One important test is aerobraking, a fuel-efficient technique for adjusting orbit using air drag. The project also shows gains in space manoeuvrability, which could be linked to future deep-space missions.
