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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hosted on MSN14h
Space Force bumps Astrion from Resilient GPS program
Last September, the service's acquisition arm, Space Systems Command, awarded L3Harris, Sierra Space, Astranis and Axient - which has since been acquired by Astrion - each $10 mil ...
Kerr: When is Elon Musk shutting down Space Force?
Musk/Trump are also shutting down the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a watchdog organization created to help Americans stand up to wealthy financial institutions. At the time, this agency was ...
Air Force Times on MSN2d
Space Force lacks ‘warfighting ethos,’ experts say
An October 2024 workshop highlighted gaps in how the general public, and even some in the Defense Department, perceive the ...
shorenewsnetwork21h
Canadian Charged After Flying Drones Repeatedly Over U.S. Space Force Base
A Canadian national has been charged with three counts of using an unmanned aircraft to photograph vital defense ...
Brampton man, 71, charged after allegedly flying drone, taking photos at U.S. space force base
A 71-year-old Canadian man has been charged after allegedly flying a drone and taking aerial photography at the Cape ...
Defense News on MSN3d
Space Force picks Firefly to launch Victus Sol rapid response mission
The Space Force would not confirm a target launch date for the mission, but its fiscal 2025 budget set late 2025 or 2026 as ...
ksby3h
SpaceX planning Saturday afternoon launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base
SpaceX is planning a launch of a Falcon 9 rocket out of Vandenberg Space Force Base on Saturday afternoon, the aerospace ...