Space & Astronomy

Secretive X-37b space plane is back after 434 days in space

By T.K. Randall
March 8, 2025 ·  0 comments

The X-37b is back once again. Image Credit: United States Air Force Resembling a miniature version of NASA's now-retired space shuttles, this pint-sized robotic space plane was passed over to the US Department of Defense back in 2004 and has since embarked on a series of secretive orbital missions, sometimes spending over two years at a time in space.

Its most recent mission saw the X-37b launch into the heavens atop a SpaceX Falcon Heavy back on December 28th, 2023, prompting speculation that it may have been heading for a higher altitude than usual.

This was confirmed a few months later when the vehicle was spotted by satellite tracking hobbyists in high orbit.

Now, though, according to reports, its seventh mission to the final frontier has officially ended with the X-37b having touched down at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on March 7th.While details of what it has been doing during its 434 days in space remain thin on the ground (no surprises there), an official statement on the Space Force's website reveals that it had performed a "robust maneuver capability while helping characterize the space domain through the testing of space domain awareness technology experiments."

"Mission 7 broke new ground by showcasing the X-37B's ability to flexibly accomplish its test and experimentation objectives across orbital regimes," said Chance Saltzman - Chief of Space Operations.

"The successful execution of the aerobraking maneuver underscores the U.S. Space Force's commitment to pushing the bounds of novel space operations in a safe and responsible manner."

As is often the case, speculation is rife that the X-37b was likely involved in a number of other clandestine activities while in orbit, including spying on rival nations such as China.

Exactly when it will be embarking on its next mission remains unclear.

Source: Space.com | Comments (0)

Tags: X-37b