First-Ever Orbital Image of the Secretive X-37B Space Plane Released
The U.S. Space Force has released the first-ever public image of its X-37B space plane in orbit. Taken over the African continent, the photo shows one of the plane's solar panels and what appears to be its open payload bay. This is part of the X-37B's seventh mission, launched December 28, 2023, which includes experiments in a highly elliptical orbit and the first-ever use of aerobraking – using atmospheric drag to efficiently change orbits. The X-37B serves as a testbed for advanced reusable spacecraft technologies, including solar power beaming, thermal protection systems, and autonomous flight capabilities. While details of its mission remain classified, the image offers a rare glimpse into the X-37B's operations and highlights the ongoing competition in reusable spacecraft technology between the U.S. and China.