On February 21, the United States Space Force (USSF) shared the first-ever photograph of its secretive X-37B space plane in orbit, sparking intrigue on social media. The image, captured by a camera onboard the plane while orbiting above Africa, was taken during its seventh mission, which began on December 28, 2023, aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. The vehicle has been in space for over a year now.
Though the photo doesn’t provide many specifics about the experiments being carried out, this marks the first time the Space Force has publicly shared an image of the mysterious space plane. The USSF’s post stated, “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.”
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. pic.twitter.com/ccisgl493P
— United States Space Force (@SpaceForceDoD) February 21, 2025
It also mentioned that the X-37B executed unique maneuvers known as aerobraking, allowing the plane to safely alter its orbit using minimal fuel. The photo quickly went viral, with many on social media speculating that the USSF might be developing even more advanced technologies.
The 29-foot-long X-37B, operated by the Space Force’s Rapid Capabilities Office, is designed to test cutting-edge technologies such as propulsion systems, thermal protection, and autonomous reentry capabilities. While some information remains classified, the USSF has revealed that the current mission, OTV-7, includes experiments like radiation effect studies and space domain awareness tests.
The X-37B program, originally launched by NASA in 1999 before being handed over to the Department of Defense, has now completed seven missions, with each extending its time in orbit. In total, the program has amassed more than 4,000 days in space across all missions.
