Secretive X-37B space plane shares 1st images from orbit

US Space Force reveals 1st look at secretive X-37B space plane in orbit (photo)
While the U.S. Space Force, and its previous operator the U.S. Air Force, have been tightlipped about what the space plane does on its lengthy missions, what is known is that the X-37B serves as a test platform for new space technologies.
The Space Force shares a photo of Earth taken by the X-37B space plane
On Friday, the Space Force published a picture taken last year from a camera mounted on the secretive X-37B space plane while high above the Earth. Space.com notes that the “one other glimpse” of the plane in space was while it was “deploying from Falcon Heavy’s upper stage” during its December 2023 launch.
Secretive X-37B space plane shares first images from orbit; see photos
For the first time, the US military shared an orbital selfie from its mysterious X-37B space plane, which captured Earth from high above Africa.
What we know: Secretive Space Force X-37B space plane sends back photo of Earth
According to Boeing, the X-37B has a body and landing operation similar to the Space Shuttle, however it is smaller, measuring in at just one-fourth the size of the shuttle. "The X-37B design combines the best of aircraft and spacecraft into an affordable system that is easy to operate and maintain," the description read.
U.S. Space Force Revealed the First-Ever Photo of Its Secretive X-37B in Orbit
For the first time ever, the U.S. Space Force has released a photo of its highly classified X-37B space plane in orbit, offering the public a rare look at one of the most secretive spacecraft in operation today.
US military releases first photo from orbit from its mysterious space plane
The military keeps in-flight details on the X-37B relatively quiet. A new photo gives the first look at what the view is from space.
A secretive U.S. spaceplane just snapped a stunning view of Earth
"An X-37B onboard camera, used to ensure the health and safety of the vehicle, captures an image of Earth while conducting experiments in [highly elliptical orbit] in 2024," the Space Force posted on X. "The X-37B executed a series of first-of-kind maneuvers, called aerobraking, to safely change its orbit using minimal fuel."
First In-orbit Photo Taken By Secretive Boeing X-37B Spacecraft Officially Released
B’s seventh mission, shows Earth from low-Earth orbit. On Feb. 20, 2025, the Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs uploaded on the DVIDS website, what is believed to be the first-ever in-orbit officially released photo taken by the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV).
The secretive X-37B space plane snapped this picture of Earth from orbit
It’s not every day that we get to see a glimpse of what a mysterious space plane is up to in orbit. This week, the US Space Force shared a picture it says was snapped last year by the X-37B, showing Earth in the distance and a bit of the craft itself.
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