The United States Space Force has unveiled a captivating image captured by its enigmatic X-37B space plane currently orbiting Earth.

Since its inaugural launch in 2010, the classified X-37B spacecraft has completed over 4,000 days in orbit across seven distinct missions. The most recent mission commenced in December 2023 and has seen the space plane orbiting at high altitudes for more than a year.

While the specific goals of the X-37B’s mission remain under wraps, the Space Force has disclosed some information about its operations, including the release of a new photograph. In October 2024, Space Force announced plans for the spaceplane to perform a unique maneuver in high-Earth orbit (HEO) aimed at adjusting its trajectory and safely disposing of components to adhere to regulations for managing space debris.

According to a statement by the Space Force, “The aerobraking maneuver involves a series of passes through Earth’s atmosphere, enabling the vehicle to modify its orbit while using minimal fuel.” After completing this maneuver, the X-37B will resume its testing and experimental tasks until they are fulfilled, after which it will safely return to Earth, as it has successfully done in its previous six missions.

On February 21, Space Force shared an update via X, posting an image that captures part of the spacecraft in orbit alongside a stunning view of our planet.

The photo was described by the Space Force: “An onboard camera on the X-37B, designed to monitor the vehicle’s health and safety, captured this image of Earth while conducting experiments in HEO during 2024. The X-37B executed a series of innovative maneuvers, utilizing aerobraking to alter its orbit with minimal fuel consumption.”

The mission objectives of the X-37B, which bears a resemblance to NASA’s space shuttles, remain highly confidential. Speculation regarding its purpose ranges from deploying spy satellites to investigating an EmDrive in space.

Upon its launch, some conspiracy theorists suggested it could serve as a “space bomber“, an idea proposed seven years before the establishment of the Space Force by Trump. Experts quickly dismissed this theory, clarifying that altering a spacecraft’s orbital plane demands significant thrust, which would rapidly deplete its limited fuel, making precision targeting virtually impossible.

The official stance from the Air Force provides limited insight. They describe the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV) as “an experimental program to showcase technologies for a dependable, reusable, unmanned space test platform for the US Air Force,” according to one statement.

“The core goals of the X-37B are twofold: develop reusable spacecraft technologies for America’s future in space and conduct experiments that can be returned to and analyzed on Earth. The technologies under evaluation include advanced guidance, navigation and control, thermal protection systems, avionics, high-temperature structures and seals, conformal reusable insulation, lightweight electromechanical systems, advanced propulsion systems, advanced materials, and autonomous orbital flight, reentry, and landing.”

For now, the choice remains between accepting the official explanation or reconciling with the mystery of this space plane soaring high above, with only the US military knowing its true purpose.

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