X-37B: US military’s mini space shuttle lands after record 434-day secret mission
This unmanned spaceplane has been pivotal in testing new technologies and operational techniques in space.
On March 7, 2025, at 02:22 am EST, the U.S. Space Force’s X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle-7 (OTV-7) successfully deorbited and landed at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
This unmanned spaceplane has been pivotal in testing new technologies and operational techniques in space.
Mission 7 marked a significant milestone as it was the first mission to launch on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy Rocket, setting a course for a Highly Elliptical Orbit.
Refreshing the importance of flexibility in space operations, the X-37B demonstrated its capability to launch and recover systems across multiple sites, a move aimed at enhancing operational readiness.
U.S. military’s mini space shuttle
During its orbit, the X-37B conducted experiments and tests to evaluate its maneuverability and collect data on the space environment.
One of the standout accomplishments of Mission 7 was its successful execution of a novel aerobraking maneuver, which showcased the spaceplane’s ability to adjust its orbit smartly while conserving fuel.
The technique relies on atmospheric drag over multiple passes to gradually change orbits, an approach gleaned from years of aerospace experience.
Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman emphasized the significance of these achievements.
“Mission 7 broke new ground by showcasing the X-37B’s ability to flexibly accomplish its test and experimentation objectives across orbital regimes,” he stated.
He further noted that the success of the aerobraking maneuver illustrates the Space Force’s ongoing commitment to advancing innovative space operations safely and responsibly.