The US Space Force recently shared a picture captured by the mysterious X-37B space plane during its seventh mission in orbit. The image shows Earth in the distance with a glimpse of the craft itself. The previous mission of the X-37B set a new endurance record with 908 days in orbit, and the current mission involves trying out aerobraking, a fuel-efficient method of changing orbit using Earth’s atmosphere.
The Space Force described the photo as captured by an onboard camera while conducting experiments in 2024. This rare look at the X-37B in space offers little information about the mission, but it highlights the vehicle’s activities in orbit. The successful execution of aerobraking maneuvers signifies a milestone in the current mission, which aims to achieve orbital changes with minimal fuel consumption.
For more updates and information about the secretive X-37B space plane, visit https://www.engadget.com/science/space/the-secretive-x-37b-space-plane-snapped-this-picture-of-earth-from-orbit-204803146.html.
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