US Space Force X-37B: The classified X-37B tiny space shuttle, which was used by the U.S. military, returned to Earth after a 434-day covert mission. The unmanned spacecraft, which was launched by SpaceX from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in December 2023, was used for military tests. The reusable X-37B, which Boeing built, has been in service since 2010 and has completed 908 days of missions. The vehicle’s wingspan is around 15 feet, and it is 29 feet long.
The X-37B Shows Versatility in Space Operations
Gen. Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations, praised the X-37B’s performance on this mission, stating that “Mission 7 broke new ground by showcasing the X-37B’s ability to flexibly accomplish its test and experimentation objectives across orbital regimens.”
It wasn’t until hours after the fact that the predawn landing at California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base was publicised. Photographs captured the black-and-white spacecraft parked in the dark on the runway.
Space Domain Awareness Technology is Tested on an Extended Mission
Because the X-37B’s flight lasted so long, Space Force engineers were able to conduct numerous experiments to evaluate the spacecraft’s “space domain awareness technology.”
The 29-foot-long, 15-foot-wide unmanned vehicle showed that it could shift orbits by slowing down with atmospheric drag.
This trajectory-change technique saved fuel, extending the mission’s duration.
The X-37B is a little, Solar-powered Marvel
The solar-powered X-37B spacecraft, which is similar to the well-known NASA space shuttle, is notable for not having any portholes of any kind.
It was considerably battered from its long journey, but it left a powerful impression on the Vandenberg Space Force Base tarmac.
In their quest to build a flexible, reusable, and sustainable fleet, the US Space Force has achieved a major milestone with the successful return.
