It’s a rare occasion to catch a glimpse of the enigmatic X-37B space plane in orbit. This week, the US Space Force unveiled a stunning photograph taken in the previous year by the spacecraft. The image features Earth in the background alongside a portion of the X-37B itself. The X-37B successfully commenced its seventh mission at the end of 2023, although specific details regarding this operation remain scarce. During its previous mission, which concluded in 2022, the X-37B set an impressive endurance record by spending 908 days in space.

While the photo doesn’t provide extensive details, it offers a unique look at the X-37B during its orbital activities. According to the Space Force, “An onboard camera of the X-37B, designed to monitor the vehicle’s condition, captured this image of Earth while conducting experiments in HEO in 2024,” the organization shared on X.

One notable aspect of the current mission is that it marks the first instance where the Boeing-designed X-37B has implemented a technique called aerobraking. This fuel-efficient strategy allows the spacecraft to adjust its orbit by making a series of passes that harness the drag of Earth’s atmosphere. Back in October, the Space Force indicated that the vehicle had begun this innovative maneuver, and recent updates confirm its success. “The X-37B performed a series of unprecedented maneuvers known as aerobraking to safely adjust its orbit while using minimal fuel,” the Space Force announced. The duration for which this mission will continue remains uncertain.