Space Force's secretive X-37B space plane soars past 1 year in orbit

The X-37B spaceplane completes over a year in high Earth orbit, testing fuel-efficient maneuvers and radiation experiments.

: The U.S. Space Force's X-37B, also known as OTV-7, has been in orbit for over a year, having launched on December 28, 2023. The craft is performing groundbreaking aerobrake maneuvers to change its orbit using minimal fuel. With support from the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, it conducts radiation effect experiments and tests Space Domain Awareness technologies. The vehicle is expected to complete its objectives and return to the Kennedy Space Center once the maneuvers are done.

The U.S. Space Force's X-37B, also called OTV-7 or USSF-52, has stayed in orbit for more than a year since its launch on December 28, 2023. This mission marks the first attempt at aerobraking maneuvers by the X-37B, allowing it to change orbits while conserving fuel substantially, thanks to its heat-tiled structure.

Supported by the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, this military spaceplane is involved in a variety of missions including conducting radiation effect experiments and advancing Space Domain Awareness technologies. Positioned in a highly elliptical high Earth orbit higher than previous missions, the craft is also completing tasks related to safely disposing of its service module.

There's no current update on the completion of the aerobrake maneuvers, but the vehicle will continue its test missions and experiments until objectives are successfully met. Following this, plans are in place for the X-37B to de-orbit and make a safe landing at the Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility Runway.