U.S. Space Force’s X-37B Space Plane Takes a Selfie with Earth

Last week, the U.S. Space Force shared an image from the uncrewed X-37B space plane’s seventh mission, capturing the orbital test vehicle soaring above Earth in High Earth Orbit—a selfie worth showcasing.

The 29-foot (8.8-meter) Boeing-built autonomous spacecraft reportedly used its onboard camera to take the photo while performing an aerobraking maneuver. This technique involves briefly dipping into Earth’s atmosphere to adjust its trajectory and transition between orbits, significantly conserving fuel.

X-37B Showcases Its Endurance and Versatility

The image is another demonstration of the X-37B’s capabilities, adding to its impressive track record. The space plane has already gained significant recognition for its ability to deorbit and land like a conventional aircraft. On its sixth mission, which ended in November 2022, it spent an impressive 908 days in space.

The image is another demonstration of the X-37B’s capabilities, adding to its impressive track record. The space plane has already gained significant recognition for its ability to deorbit and land like a conventional aircraft. On its sixth mission, which ended in November 2022, it spent an impressive 908 days in space.

This photo comes from the X-37B’s seventh mission, which began on December 28, 2023, when the space plane launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket.

The uncrewed spacecraft is reportedly used for a variety of classified experiments, such as testing material exposure in space with its payload bay doors open. However, experts suggest it is not intended for offensive operations, like targeting foreign satellites.

X-37B and the U.S.-China Space Race

That said, the X-37B is part of the broader U.S.-China competition in space technology. In September 2024, China announced the successful completion of the third orbital test of its reusable Shenlong spacecraft. This latest image may hint at an advantage for the U.S.

While Boeing designed the X-37B to operate in low-Earth orbit (150-500 miles or 241-806 km above Earth), the caption for this image indicates it was taken in High Earth Orbit—an impressive 22,236 miles (35,786 km) away.

That seems likely, considering the Falcon Heavy rocket can transport payloads to geosynchronous orbit, roughly 22,000 miles (35,000 km) above Earth.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that Shenlong has only reached an altitude of 372 miles (600 km) so far. For now, the Space Force may have secured a significant advantage.

The ball’s in your court, China.

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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