US Space Force's secret space plane, the X-37B, captured on camera. Here's all about it

The US Space Force has released an unprecedented photograph of its classified X-37B space plane in orbit. Captured by an onboard camera, the image shows the spacecraft flying over Africa, with one of its solar arrays visible and its cargo section partially open. This marks the first publicly shared in-orbit image of the X-37B, which has been on its seventh mission since launching aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket on December 28, 2023.


In a social media post, the Space Force explained: "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."

All about X-37B

The X-37B is a reusable robotic spacecraft designed for extended space missions and classified experiments. While previous missions primarily operated in low Earth orbit, current indications suggest operations at higher altitudes. The Space Force stated that this mission aims to explore new orbital regimes, test space domain awareness technologies, and study the effects of radiation on various materials.

Originally developed by NASA in 1999, the X-37B program was later transferred to the Department of Defense and is now managed by the Space Force’s Rapid Capabilities Office. The autonomous space plane measures 29 feet in length, with a 15-foot wingspan, and has accumulated over 4,000 days in orbit across seven missions.

Upon completing its current mission, the X-37B will return to Earth, executing a runway landing similar to NASA’s retired Space Shuttle. While the Space Force remains tight-lipped about the specifics of the vehicle’s experiments, the release of this image underscores the spacecraft’s role in advancing US military space capabilities.