US military’s secretive X-37B space plane lands after 434 days in orbit
This photo, provided by the United States Space Force, shows the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle-7 (OTV-7), the U.S. Space Force’s dynamic unmanned spaceplane, successfully deorbited and landed at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., March 7, 2025. (Photo via United States Space Force)
The U.S. military’s X-37B space plane has returned to Earth after spending 434 days in orbit on a classified mission. The unmanned vehicle, which was launched in December 2023, landed at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California early on Friday.
Operated by the U.S. Space Force, the Boeing-built space plane was launched by SpaceX from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. The precise nature of its mission remains confidential, but officials said it involved conducting military experiments.
Orbital manoeuvres and fuel efficiency
The X-37B’s latest mission demonstrated the ability to change orbits using atmospheric drag, allowing it to save fuel. “This is an exciting new chapter in the X-37B program,” said Lt Col Blaine Stewart, the program director.
First launched in 2010, the reusable space plane has now completed seven missions, with its longest time in space reaching 908 days. The 29-foot (9-metre) long vehicle has a wingspan of nearly 15 feet (4.5 metres) and is capable of carrying out a range of experimental tasks.
Stock exchange ends week as Türkiye’s top performer amid market optimism
TAI and DeltaV sign agreement for High-Resolution Micro Satellite systems
TUSIAD leaders face legal action over alleged spreading of misleading information
