US Releases First Official Image of Secretive X-37B Space Plane in Orbit

Washington, D.C.: The United States Space Force (USSF) has released the first-ever official photograph of its top-secret X-37B space plane in orbit, marking a rare public glimpse of the highly classified vehicle. The image, taken by an onboard camera, captures the Earth from space while the spacecraft continues its latest mission.

The X-37B, an unmanned reusable spaceplane, launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket on December 28, 2023, for its seventh mission (OTV-7). Since then, it has been in orbit for over a year, conducting experimental technology tests in the realm of space operations and national security.

"An X-37B onboard camera, used to ensure the health and safety of the vehicle, captures an image of Earth while conducting experiments in HEO (high Earth orbit) in 2024," the Space Force stated in an official post.

The release of the image has sparked speculation among defense analysts and space enthusiasts about the nature of the spacecraft's classified operations.

X-37B’s Groundbreaking Mission and Capabilities

Developed initially by NASA in 1999, the X-37B program was later transferred to the Department of Defense (DoD) and is now operated by the Space Force’s Rapid Capabilities Office.

The spacecraft is 29 feet long with a 15-foot wingspan, resembling a miniature space shuttle, and is designed to test advanced technologies such as:

• Next-generation propulsion systems
• Autonomous reentry capabilities
• Thermal protection advancements
• Radiation impact studies on materials and electronics
• Space domain awareness experiments

For the first time, the Space Force has disclosed that OTV-7 involves an aerobraking maneuver—a technique that allows the spacecraft to adjust its orbit with minimal fuel consumption by using atmospheric drag.

"The X-37B executed a series of first-of-kind maneuvers, called aerobraking, to safely change its orbit using minimal fuel," the USSF noted.

While many details about the mission remain classified, the X-37B has now spent over 4,000 days in space across its seven missions, with each successive flight extending its operational capabilities.

Social Media Reacts to the First Public Image

The unexpected release of the X-37B’s orbital image quickly gained traction on social media, with users amused and intrigued by the revelation.

"This is such a flex," one user commented, while another added:
"Love that the US has had a secret spaceplane doing secret spaceplane stuff for two decades and it's sending down coy pictures."

A third user speculated:

"What was that saying again? 'If they're showing you this now, they are currently on something far more advanced'?"

The Space Force’s decision to unveil this image has raised questions about whether the U.S. military is working on even more advanced space technologies behind the scenes.

The Future of X-37B and U.S. Space Operations

As the U.S. Space Force continues to expand its role in orbital defense and space technology, the X-37B remains at the forefront of classified space experimentation. The program is expected to continue testing new aerospace capabilities, paving the way for potential future military applications and deep-space missions.

With each mission, the X-37B redefines the limits of autonomous space operations, solidifying its role as a key asset in the evolving landscape of national security and space exploration.