The U.S. Space Force has released the first publicly available image taken from its X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV), a highly classified, unmanned spaceplane.
The photo, published on Thursday on the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS), shows Earth from orbit and was taken by an onboard camera used to monitor the spacecraft’s condition.
An X-37B onboard camera, used to ensure the health and safety of the vehicle, captures an image of Earth while conducting experiments in HEO in 2024.The X-37B executed a series of first-of-kind maneuvers, called aerobraking, to safely change its orbit using minimal fuel. pic.twitter.com/ccisgl493P
— United States Space Force (@SpaceForceDoD) February 21, 2025
The X-37B, built by Boeing, has been conducting classified missions since 2010.
The Space Force confirmed that the X-37B has been testing aerobraking, a maneuver that uses atmospheric drag to adjust its orbit without burning fuel. This technique is commonly used in space missions but is now being evaluated for potential military applications.
The X-37B, originally developed by NASA, can stay in orbit for extended periods—previous missions have lasted over 900 days.
Although the Space Force has not revealed specific mission details, the X-37B is believed to be testing advanced satellite technology, propulsion systems, and space surveillance capabilities. Some experts speculate it may be operating beyond geostationary orbit to assess new military space strategies.
The vehicle has been in orbit for over a year, having launched on its seventh mission on December 28, 2023, aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. The Space Force has not announced when it will return to Earth.
