US Space Force's X-37B Spaceplane Concludes Seventh Mission After 434 Days in Orbit

The X-37B spaceplane, operated by the US Space Force, has successfully completed its seventh mission, returning to Earth after spending 434 days in orbit. The uncrewed spacecraft landed at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, following its launch from Kennedy Space Center in Florida in December 2023. This mission marked a significant reduction in duration compared to its predecessor, which lasted over double the time.

Due to the classified nature of military missions, details about the experiments conducted during this flight remain limited. However, the Space Force has recently been more forthcoming about the X-37B's activities. Last fall, they announced that this mission included a novel 'aerobraking' maneuver, which utilized atmospheric drag to adjust the vehicle's orbit while minimizing fuel consumption. Additionally, the spaceplane was set to detach from a service module mounted at its rear.

For the first time, the Space Force released an image of the X-37B in space, showcasing part of the spacecraft along with a view of Earth from a considerable distance.

Now officially designated as Orbital Test Vehicle-7 (OTV-7), the spaceplane's return demonstrates the versatility of the system, as it was launched and landed at different sites. General Bradley Chance Saltzman, the head of US Air Force Space Operations, stated that this mission broke new ground in showcasing the X-37B's ability to flexibly achieve its testing and experimental objectives across various orbits. The successful execution of the aerobraking maneuver highlights the US Space Force's commitment to safely and responsibly expanding the frontiers of space operations.

Details regarding the outcomes of the seventh mission, aside from the aerobraking technique, have not yet been disclosed. It is known, however, that the X-37B has utilized three different launch vehicles to reach orbit. Previously, the spaceplane primarily employed Atlas V rockets and a Falcon 9 rocket from SpaceX, while the latest mission was carried out using a Falcon Heavy rocket from the company founded by Elon Musk.

Interestingly, the relatively brief duration of this mission is notable, as it stands as the second shortest in the X-37B's history, following its inaugural mission, which lasted just 225 days. All subsequent missions had durations of at least 468 days, with most extending between 700 to 800 days. The previous mission was the longest, with the spacecraft spending 908 days in orbit before returning.