By BlueShift | 2025-01-31

The US Space Force (USSF)'s X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV-7) has quietly surpassed a full year in orbit, highlighting the branch's commitment to advancing space technology.

The X-37B, launched in December 2023, continues its mission in low Earth orbit. First created by Boeing for the US Air Force and now operated by USSF, the vehicle is designed for long-duration missions testing advanced guidance, propulsion and navigation systems.

During its sixth mission, the X-37B deployed the FalconSat-8, a small satellite providing Air Force Academy cadets with hands-on experience operating a satellite before becoming active-duty officers.

While its exact capabilities are unknown, the vehicle has captured widespread attention due to its long flight times and potential applications for military and scientific design.

Origins and design

In October, the X-37B executed groundbreaking aerobraking maneuvers, a technique using atmospheric drag to alter its orbit with minimal fuel expenditure. This is the first time a USSF craft has attempted this maneuver.

"This novel and efficient series of maneuvers demonstrates the Space Force's commitment to achieving ground-breaking innovation as it conducts national security missions in space," Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall said in a statement on USSF's website.

The X-37B's futuristic and compact design, measuring 8.8 meters long with a wingspan of 4.6 meters, allows it to autonomously reenter the atmosphere and land horizontally -- similar to a conventional aircraft.

The US government describes the X-37B as an "on-orbit laboratory" for testing new technologies in space, but its classified nature has led to widespread speculation about its full range of capabilities.

The reusable spacecraft is specifically designed for long missions in space, going far beyond the capabilities of traditionally manned vehicles.

While it is initially sent into orbit on a rocket, upon instructions from the ground the X-37B autonomously reenters the atmosphere and lands horizontally -- just like any other plane.

Chinese mission: Peaceful or 'nefarious'?

While the X-37B continues its mission to test new technologies, a similar Chinese vehicle has raised concerns over its potential "nefarious" applications in space.

China's Shenlong spaceplane, an unmanned and reusable craft akin to the X-37B and designed to operate autonomously in low Earth orbit, has demonstrated capabilities that some analysts warn could be used for military or intelligence-gathering purposes.

First announced in 2007, the Shenlong has remained shrouded in secrecy. It has conducted few missions.

An official announcement after its December 14 launch said the spacecraft would "carry out reusable technology verification and space science experiments as planned, providing technical support for the peaceful use of space."

In 2023, the Shenlong completed a 268-day mission, including proximity operations with an object it released, according to SpaceNews.

While such maneuvers could serve peaceful purposes like space debris removal or inspection of satellites, they pose risks, said Juliana Suess, an analyst at Royal United Services Institute in London.

They could be used for "nefarious purposes" including interception of signals or physical damage to other spacecraft, Suess said.