US Space Force reveals first-ever image of shadowy X-37B plane in Orbit

The U.S. Space Force has released a rare photo of the X-37B space plane while in orbit. This marks the first public image of the secretive vehicle in space. The photo, taken by an onboard camera, shows Earth in the background.

The image, shared on 20 February, captures the X-37B flying above Africa. Part of its solar panel is visible on the left side. The top edge of the image appears to show its open payload bay. The space plane has been in orbit for over a year. It launched on its seventh mission aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket on 28 December 2023.

Previously, the only glimpse of the X-37B in orbit came during a live stream of its last launch. The video briefly showed the spacecraft deploying from Falcon Heavy’s upper stage. That moment provided a rare look at the classified vehicle in space.

X-37B's Mission and Experimental Tests
The Space Force has been secretive about the X-37B’s missions. However, it confirmed the current flight is testing new orbital manoeuvres. The vehicle is also experimenting with space domain awareness technologies. Additionally, NASA is studying how radiation affects different materials.

Earlier missions operated in low Earth orbit, but this mission is different. The Falcon Heavy can send payloads into geosynchronous orbit, 35,000 km from Earth. The X-37B is also testing "aerobraking," using atmospheric drag to change orbits with minimal fuel.