Space Force Captures Rare Photo of X-37B Space Plane in Action
X-37B Space Plane Conducts Experimental Aerobraking Maneuvers
The United States Space Force has published a rare photo of the secretive X-37B space plane, taken from a camera mounted on the spacecraft while it was high above the Earth. This is only the second time the X-37B has been spotted in space, with the first instance being its deployment from a Falcon Heavy’s upper stage during its December 2023 launch.
Experimental Aerobraking Maneuvers
The Space Force snapped the photo during experimental "first-of-kind" aerobraking maneuvers, which aim to safely change the plane’s orbit using minimal fuel. The Air Force explained in October that this process would involve a series of passes using the drag of Earth’s atmosphere, and once complete, the plane would resume its other experiments before de-orbiting.
X-37B’s Seventh Mission
This is the X-37B’s seventh mission, with its sixth mission concluding in November 2022, lasting about two-and-a-half years (or 908 days) and being its longest mission to date. Prior to its launch, the Space Force described mission goals that included operating in new orbital regimes and testing future space domain awareness technologies. The mission also involved an onboard NASA experiment involving plant seeds’ radiation exposure during long spaceflight missions.
Conclusion
The X-37B’s experimental aerobraking maneuvers demonstrate the Space Force’s commitment to advancing the capabilities of its spacecraft and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in space. As the X-37B continues to evolve and improve, it is likely to play an increasingly important role in the United States’ space-based operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the X-37B space plane?
A: The X-37B is a secretive space plane developed by the United States Air Force.
Q: What is the purpose of the X-37B’s aerobraking maneuvers?
A: The X-37B’s aerobraking maneuvers aim to safely change its orbit using minimal fuel.
Q: How long has the X-37B been in operation?
A: The X-37B has been in operation since its first mission, which began in 2010.
Q: What is the X-37B’s longest mission to date?
A: The X-37B’s longest mission to date was its sixth mission, which lasted about two-and-a-half years (or 908 days).
