A rare photo of a secret X-37B spacecraft in orbit showing Earth has been posted online. This photo was the first of this mission to become publicly available since it was posted on the US Space Force X (Twitter) account.
The spacecraft was launched on its seventh mission in December 2023. However, very few details have been revealed about the mission’s goals, reports Fox News.
“The X-37B on-board camera, which is used to monitor the health and safety of the spacecraft, captured images of the Earth in 2024 during experiments in high Earth orbit (HEO),” the publication said.
The X-37B performed several unique maneuvers called airmilling to safely change orbit with as little fuel consumption as possible.
What is known about this mission
Since December 28, 2023, the U.S. Space Force, with the assistance of the Air Force Rapid Response Office (DAF RCO), has been conducting experiments to study radiation exposure and test situational sensing technologies in high-level orbit.
“We are excited to expand the capabilities of the X-37B reusable spacecraft with an in-flight service module and a Falcon Heavy rocket to conduct advanced experiments for the benefit of the U.S. Air Force and its partners,” said Lt. Col. Joseph Fritschen, X-37B Program Director.
