US Space Force’s Mysterious X-37B Plane Returns to Earth After 434 Days in Orbit on a Secret Mission

Science News: A classified US military spaceplane has returned to Earth after spending 434 days in orbit on a mysterious mission. The Boeing-built X-37B, operated by the US Space Force, successfully landed at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Friday morning.

The unmanned spacecraft was launched in 2023 by SpaceX from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida and remained in orbit for over a year, conducting top-secret experiments for the military.

‘Groundbreaking’ Mission

According to the U.S. Space Force (USSF), the mission was a major breakthrough, successfully demonstrating the ability to change orbits using atmospheric drag—a technique that slows the craft down without relying on additional fuel.

Lt. Col. Blaine Stewart, the program director, described it as “an exciting new chapter in the X-37B program.”

This marks the seventh mission for the solar-powered, reusable, and remotely operated X-37B.

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Military Officials Hail the Success

Gen. Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations, praised the mission, stating:

“Mission 7 broke new ground by showcasing the X-37B’s ability to flexibly accomplish its test and experimentation objectives across orbital regimens.”

He added that the successful execution of the aerobraking maneuver underscores the Space Force’s commitment to advancing innovative space operations in a safe and responsible manner.

Other Space Force officials called the mission a “significant milestone” in their effort to develop a versatile, reusable, and sustainable space fleet.

Last month, the Space Force shared a rare image of Earth captured by the X-37B while it was conducting experiments in orbit.

The mission’s success highlights the growing role of military space operations and the push for advanced technologies that can extend the duration and efficiency of future missions.