The U.S. Space Force has released a breathtaking image of Earth captured by the X-37B space plane during its latest secretive mission. The autonomous spacecraft, which has been conducting experimental maneuvers in high-Earth orbit, snapped the photo last year while testing advanced aerobraking techniques.
The X-37B’s seventh mission includes a series of first-of-its-kind aerobraking maneuvers, designed to safely adjust its orbit with minimal fuel consumption. This technique involves using Earth’s atmosphere to create drag, allowing for more efficient orbital changes. The Air Force previously confirmed that after completing these tests, the spacecraft would resume its other experiments before re-entering the atmosphere.
The X-37B is no stranger to record-breaking missions. Its previous flight lasted 908 days, concluding in November 2022, making it the longest X-37B mission to date. The Space Force had outlined several objectives for this latest mission, including exploring new orbital regimes and testing next-generation space domain awareness technologies. Additionally, the mission includes a NASA experiment studying the effects of space radiation on plant seeds, providing insights for future long-duration space missions.
With its continued operations, the X-37B remains a key player in space-based research and technological advancements.
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