US Space Force releases 1st image of X-37B

US Space Force reveals 1st look at secretive X-37B space plane in orbit (photo)
While the U.S. Space Force, and its previous operator the U.S. Air Force, have been tightlipped about what the space plane does on its lengthy missions, what is known is that the X-37B serves as a test platform for new space technologies.
The Space Force shares a photo of Earth taken by the X-37B space plane
On Friday, the Space Force published a picture taken last year from a camera mounted on the secretive X-37B space plane while high above the Earth. Space.com notes that the “one other glimpse” of the plane in space was while it was “deploying from Falcon Heavy’s upper stage” during its December 2023 launch.
US Space Force releases first image of X-37B after its seventh mission
The US Space Force has revealed the first images of its secretive X-37B space plane, which has been in orbit for more than a year.
U.S. Space Force Revealed the First-Ever Photo of Its Secretive X-37B in Orbit
For the first time ever, the U.S. Space Force has released a photo of its highly classified X-37B space plane in orbit, offering the public a rare look at one of the most secretive spacecraft in operation today.
What we know: Secretive Space Force X-37B space plane sends back photo of Earth
According to Boeing, the X-37B has a body and landing operation similar to the Space Shuttle, however it is smaller, measuring in at just one-fourth the size of the shuttle. "The X-37B design combines the best of aircraft and spacecraft into an affordable system that is easy to operate and maintain," the description read.
How The X-37B Is Shaping The Future Of The U.S. Space Force
During the first six missions, the X-37B spent more than 3,774 days in orbit. It launched on its current mission, OTV-7, on Dec. 28, 2023, and passed 400 days in orbit on Jan. 31. By comparison, the space shuttle spent 1,323 days in space during NASA shuttle flights between April 1981 and July 2011.
Current Space Force plan just to compete with adversaries in space faulted
The current Space Force policy of seeking to compete militarily with China to prevent a future space war has left America vulnerable to Beijing’s control over the vital domain, according to a think tank report made public on Wednesday.
The secretive X-37B space plane snapped this picture of Earth from orbit
It’s not every day that we get to see a glimpse of what a mysterious space plane is up to in orbit. This week, the US Space Force shared a picture it says was snapped last year by the X-37B, showing Earth in the distance and a bit of the craft itself.
The US Space Force needs a 'warfighting ethos' and increased funding to compete with China in space: report
The US Space Force faces "systemic issues" that threaten its long-term chances of success against China, a report argues.
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