X-37B spaceplane achieves record 434-day mission in orbit

In late December 2023, the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle-7, a U.S. Space Force unmanned spaceplane, was launched into Earth’s orbit by SpaceX's Falcon Heavy for a classified military mission. It executed this mission for a total of 434 days and successfully landed at California's Vandenberg Space Force Base on March 7, 2025. The mission included high-altitude flights reaching about 20,000 miles above the surface of the Earth, and it was designed to test various advancements in technology aimed at enhancing the U.S. military's capabilities in space. During its time in orbit, the spaceplane accomplished a broad range of objectives centered on testing its maneuverability and characterizing the space environment. Key experiments included the testing of a new aerobraking process, which allowed the spacecraft to change its orbital path with minimal fuel. This capability is crucial in a congested space environment, as it supports better spatial awareness and strategic maneuverability to outpace potential adversaries in space. The successful operation of the X-37B not only marks significant progress for the U.S. Space Force but also highlights the growing importance of space as a contested domain in modern warfare. According to Lt. Col. Blaine Stewart, director of the X-37B program, these operations represent the dawn of an exciting new chapter for U.S. military space missions and underline the ongoing development of reusability and advanced sensor technology within the U.S. military. The mission results also emphasize the strategic value of maintaining a presence in space through innovative testing and experimentation with technologically advanced systems. The regenerative nature of missions like that of the X-37B raises implications for future warfare tactics and potential geopolitical challenges in safeguarding space assets. Overall, the X-37B's successful return and the achievements it reported underline a significant milestone in demonstrating U.S. military capability and initiative in an increasingly critical area of modern defense.