X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle safely landed at the Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, yesterday (March 7)
Space Force’s super secret aircraft has successfully made it back to Earth.
The Boeing-made X-37B spacecraft has recently captured the public’s imagination, as the US Space Force offered an exclusive look into its ongoing mission.
Having completed seven missions over the past 15 years, the X-37B has spent a staggering 4,000+ days orbiting Earth. Its latest mission kicked off in 2023, and in a rare update shared last month, the Space Force treated space enthusiasts to a breathtaking photo of our planet, taken from the spacecraft while it orbits in the vastness of space.
“An X-37B onboard camera, used to monitor the vehicle’s health and safety, captured a stunning image of Earth while conducting experiments in Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO) in 2024,” read a tweet from the US Space Force.
The spacecraft has now safely returned, landing at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on March 7, after an impressive 434 days in orbit. During its mission, the X-37B successfully achieved a variety of test objectives, showcasing its advanced maneuverability and contributing to the development of space domain awareness technology. This mission has significantly enhanced the understanding of space capabilities, advancing both technology and space exploration.
Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman praised the success of the X-37B’s seventh mission upon its return, stating in a press release: “Mission 7 broke new ground by demonstrating the X-37B’s ability to accomplish its test and experimentation objectives across a variety of orbital regimes. The successful execution of the aerobraking maneuver highlights the U.S. Space Force’s dedication to advancing innovative space operations in a safe and responsible manner.”
The mission has been hailed as a significant milestone, marking a pivotal achievement in space exploration and technology development.
The successful execution of the aerobraking maneuver was a defining moment for the US Space Force, as it marked the first time the X-37B had attempted such a maneuver. Aerobraking involves using the drag of Earth’s atmosphere to alter the spacecraft’s orbit, allowing it to change its trajectory while conserving fuel. This innovation is crucial for extending the spacecraft’s operational capabilities and minimizing resource consumption.
Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall emphasized the importance of this achievement, stating, “The novel and efficient series of maneuvers demonstrates the Space Force’s commitment to achieving groundbreaking innovation as it conducts national security missions in space.” The successful completion of this maneuver not only highlights the X-37B’s versatility but also reinforces the Space Force’s dedication to pushing the limits of space technology.
