Secretive X-37B space plane shares 1st images from orbit

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.
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.
US Releases First Official Picture Of Secretive X-37B Space Plane In Orbit
Operated by the Space Force's Rapid Capabilities Office, the 29-foot-long X-37B with a 15-foot wingspan is designed to test advanced technologies.
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.
Breathtaking photo of Earth from orbit taken by US military's mysterious space plane
The U.S. Space Force released a breathtaking image of Earth from its mysterious space plane that shows the planet from thousands of miles away
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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