The U.S. government's secretive X-37B space plane has returned to Earth after a 434-day mission in orbit, marking another milestone in reusable spacecraft technology. Built by Boeing, the uncrewed space plane landed under the cover of darkness at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on March 7, 2025. Launched on December 29, 2023, via a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, the X-37B embarked on its seventh mission, entering a highly elliptical orbit around Earth.
The X-37B program, which began as a NASA initiative before transitioning under military control in 2004, continues to push the boundaries of space exploration. With the primary aim of advancing reusable spacecraft technology, the space plane's latest mission is being hailed as an "exciting new chapter" by the U.S. Space Force. The X-37B's ability to operate for extended periods—up to 909 days in previous missions—demonstrates significant progress in this area.
"Mission 7 broke new ground by showcasing the X-37B's ability to flexibly accomplish its test and experimentation objectives across orbital regimes," stated Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman.
The clandestine nature of the mission has prompted much speculation, though details remain classified. However, the successful completion of several aerobraking maneuvers has been confirmed. This technique allows the space plane to lower its orbit while using minimal fuel, further underscoring its advanced capabilities.
Since its inaugural flight in 2010, when it remained in orbit for 224 days, the X-37B has consistently demonstrated improvements in its operational longevity and technological sophistication. The plane's design enables it to launch vertically aboard a rocket and return to Earth like a traditional airplane, reflecting its versatile and reusable nature.
The recent mission's success underlines the strategic importance of developing reusable aerospace technologies. As part of a broader effort to enhance orbital flexibility and cost-efficiency, the X-37B program represents a significant step forward in space innovation.
