US Space Force spacecraft returns after record 434-day mission
What's the story
The US Space Force's secretive X-37B spacecraft has returned to Earth after spending 434 days in orbit conducting mysterious tests.
The Boeing-made vessel was quietly launched by SpaceX in 2023 from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It landed at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Friday morning.
This is the seventh successful test flight of one of these vehicles, Space Force officials said.
Mission success
X-37B showcases versatility in space operations
Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman lauded the X-37B's performance in this mission, saying that "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, "The successful execution of the aerobraking maneuver underscores the US Space Force's commitment to pushing the bounds of novel space operation in a safe and responsible manner."
Technological advancements
Extended mission tests space domain awareness technology
The long duration of the X-37B's mission enabled Space Force engineers to test the spacecraft's "space domain awareness technology" through a bevy of experiments.
The unmanned vehicle, which is 29 feet long and 15 feet wide, demonstrated its ability to change orbits by using atmospheric drag to slow down.
This method of trajectory-change preserved fuel, allowing the mission to last for the extended period.
Design features
X-37B spacecraft: A smaller, solar-powered marvel
The X-37B spacecraft, which resembles the famous NASA space shuttle, is solar-powered and notably lacks any sort of portholes.
Appearing somewhat worn from its extended travels, it bore a striking image on the tarmac of Vandenberg Space Force Base.
The successful return is a significant milestone for the US Space Force in their mission to create a versatile, reusable, and sustainable fleet.