US Space Force’s X-37B Releases First Orbital Image of Earth
The US Space Force’s secretive X-37B space plane has released its first-ever image of Earth from orbit, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing seventh mission. The image, captured during the mission that began in late 2023, offers a rare glimpse into the classified operations of this advanced spacecraft.
The X-37B, often described as the “most advanced re-entry spacecraft,” has been conducting experiments with cutting-edge space technologies and testing innovative maneuvers to change orbit while minimizing fuel consumption. These capabilities have raised concerns about the security of the US military’s satellite network and the potential implications for space-based operations.
Originally conceived by NASA in 1999 as a reusable orbital test vehicle for satellite monitoring and repair, the X-37 project has evolved significantly over the years. Following design changes prompted by the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, the project was transferred to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency in 2004 and classified for military applications. The Air Force later developed the X-37B variant in 2006, capable of extended high-speed orbital operations.
Since its first mission in 2010, the X-37B has conducted multiple classified missions, testing various materials and deploying small satellites with experimental payloads. The sixth mission, which concluded in 2022, set a record with 908 days in space and included a small service module.
The current seventh mission, launched in December 2023 on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, aims to test space domain awareness technologies and study radiation effects on plant seeds. A key objective of this mission is to demonstrate aerobraking techniques, using atmospheric drag to shift orbit and dispose of components with minimal fuel expenditure.
Despite the release of this unprecedented image, the X-37B program remains shrouded in secrecy. Few images of the spacecraft are publicly available, and details about its missions are closely guarded. The military applications of the X-37B continue to be classified, potentially giving the United States an edge in orbital warfare capabilities.
As the X-37B continues its mission, it faces competition from China’s similar Shenlong spacecraft, which has also conducted multiple classified missions. The ongoing development and deployment of these advanced space planes highlight the increasing importance of space-based assets in military strategy and international competition.
