U.S. Space Force Shares First Image From X-37B Spaceplane in Orbit

The U.S. Space Force has unveiled the first-ever image taken from the X-37B spaceplane while it was in orbit around Earth. The photo, which showcases the brightness of a sunlit section of the planet, was shared on social media, highlighting the capabilities of the reusable spacecraft. The X-37B, an unmanned vehicle, is currently on its sixth mission, described as the most ambitious to date, and it launched on May 17, 2020. Colonel Rob Parker, the program manager for the X-37B, emphasized the importance of the mission, stating that it will provide insights into technology that could benefit future space operations. In a recent update, the U.S. Space Force revealed that the X-37B has been conducting experiments on orbit, which includes testing new technologies and conducting research that can enhance the U.S. military’s capabilities in space. The craft has already set a record for the longest duration in orbit—over 780 days—and it is expected to remain in space for several more months.