The X-37B spacecraft has been on several missions over the years, some of which are classified
An extremely rare image taken from a top-secret spacecraft while in Earth orbit has been shared online, giving space buffs an insight into the mysterious mission.
The X-37B spacecraft, a remarkable feat of engineering, has completed an impressive seven missions over the past 15 years. Currently embarking on its seventh mission, known as OV-7, which began in 2023, the Boeing-built spacecraft is launched into orbit by a partner ship. For this mission, it received a boost from a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket.
Throughout its extensive journey, the X-37B has spent over 4,000 days orbiting Earth, as reported by IFL Science. However, despite its long and fascinating history in space, images from its missions remain incredibly rare, adding an air of mystery to this extraordinary spacecraft’s endeavors.
The details of the X-37B spacecraft’s missions are largely classified, but the US Space Force recently gave space enthusiasts a rare glimpse into its activities. On February 21, they shared a captivating photograph along with a brief explanation about the aircraft’s ongoing mission.
In the tweet, Space Force revealed, “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 [Highly Elliptical Orbit] in 2024.” According to the Space Foundation, HEO refers to an oblong orbit where one end is closer to Earth while the other is more distant. Satellites in HEO are ideal for communications, satellite radio, remote sensing, and a variety of other applications. This photo provides a fascinating peek into the spacecraft’s complex operations, all while staying true to its secretive nature.
Space Force’s tweet went on to highlight, “The X-37B executed a series of first-of-kind maneuvers, called aerobraking, to safely change its orbit using minimal fuel.” The stunning photograph captured not only a glimpse of the spacecraft but also an awe-inspiring view of Earth in the background.
The rare image quickly caught the attention of space enthusiasts, sparking a wave of admiration. “Super cool,” one Twitter user commented, while another simply wrote, “Amazing picture.”
Fans of the spacecraft eagerly requested more glimpses into its mission, with one budding astronomer urging, “More of this please!!” Others couldn’t contain their excitement, with one calling the photo “magnificent,” underscoring the wonder that the X-37B continues to inspire.
In a statement at the time, Space Force explained, “The X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV-7) will begin executing a series of novel maneuvers, known as aerobraking, to alter its orbit around Earth and safely dispose of its service module components in line with established space debris mitigation standards.” The agency further detailed, “By using aerobraking—a series of passes utilizing Earth’s atmospheric drag—the spacecraft can shift orbits with minimal fuel consumption.”
Once the aerobraking maneuver is successfully completed, the X-37B will resume its test and experimentation objectives. The mission will continue until all goals are achieved, after which the spacecraft will perform a de-orbit and execute a safe return, just as it has successfully done during its six previous missions.
