The X-37B: A Mysterious Orbital Craft

The United States Space Force (USSF) has made history by releasing the first-ever image of its enigmatic X-37B unmanned vehicle while it was orbiting Earth. Since its maiden voyage in 2010, the mission of this orbital craft, the technology it employs, and the cutting-edge experiments it carries have all been shrouded in secrecy.

The X-37B originated from NASA’s X-37 program, which ran from 1999 to 2004. The project was subsequently absorbed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The program’s specific objectives were limited to public scrutiny, with DARPA revealing only that it was a contract to create an orbital test vehicle.

The current version of the X-37B, crafted by Boeing, first took to the skies in 2010. Since then, it has been involved in several missions around Earth, achieving a notable record of 908 continuous days in orbit. The classified nature of these missions has led to widespread speculation, with some international media outlets suggesting the X-37B could be carrying space weapons or having espionage objectives. The Pentagon, however, has consistently denied these allegations.

Recently, the USSF has shifted its discreet approach: In October 2024, it disclosed that the X-37B will commence a phase of experimentation, focusing on flights in highly elliptical orbits (egg-shaped trajectories) rather than continuing its routinary operations in the lower terrestrial orbit. In February 2025, the USSF released part of the ship’s images while it was considerably distant from Earth. The vehicle used its camera into highly elliptical orbit in 2024.

An X-37B camera, used to guarantee the health and safety of the vehicle, captured an image of the Earth while performing experiments in highly elliptical orbit in 2024. The X-37B executed a series of unique maneuvers, aerodynamic braking calls, to change your orbit safely using a minimum of fuel
United States Space Force

Understanding the X-37B and Its Missions

The X-37B’s classified status means that the specifics of its missions and the hardware tested on board are closely held secrets.

The X-37B: U.S. Space Force

The X-37B represents a notable milestone in military space technology, with its design and deployment with the maintaining of national security and defense operations. Such programs are fundamentally different from NASA’s public missions, which focus on exploration and technological progress. NASA also recognizes the value of public audits and participation. However, programs like the X-37B have no openness and at times have even been accused of unethical investigations, circumvented by authorizing bodies.

Space vs. Military Missions

The Pentagon has emphasized repeatedly that the X-37B is not an offensive tool, a fact they bolster with regular denials of any weaponization or espionage activities to the expectations of Washington. Nevertheless, there are open estimates of the potential of the X-37B as a new weapon system. There are also movements of international partners, including China, which recently announced its CSSHQ, an unmanned plane currently orbiting Earth. It has caused some experts in defense and space technology to suggest a new era of space arms race, involving China, the U.S. and even emerging technology from Russia.

The X-37B: A Mysterious Orbital Craft

What is the X-37B?

The X-37B is a secretive unmanned space plane developed by Boeing and operated by the United States Space Force (USSF). It made it’s first flight in 2010 and is known for its classified missions in Earth’s orbit,achieving a record of 908 continuous days in space during one of its missions [1].

What is the origin of the X-37B program?

The X-37B program originated from NASA’s X-37 program, which ran from 1999 to 2004. The project was later absorbed by DARPA with the objective to create an orbital test vehicle, but details remained confidential [1].

What are the key missions of the X-37B?

The specifics of the X-37B’s missions, including the technology and experiments onboard, are classified. It was notably involved in aerodynamic braking maneuvers to adjust its orbit efficiently, using minimally of fuel [2].

Why is there speculation about the X-37B’s purpose?

Due to the classified nature of its missions and its prolonged orbital records, some international media have speculated that the X-37B might be used for weaponization or espionage. The Pentagon has consistently denied these allegations,stating that it is not an offensive tool.

What recent developments have occurred with the X-37B?

In October 2024, the USSF announced a new phase for the X-37B, focusing on highly elliptical orbits, moving away from its usual lower Earth orbits. This shift includes the release of its first-ever orbital images [1].

What is the difference between NASA and USSF projects?

While NASA focuses on exploration and technological progress with public transparency and audits, USSF projects like the X-37B prioritize national security and defense operations, maintaining operational secrecy even at the cost of public scrutiny and ethical debates.

Is there a global space arms race?

While the Pentagon emphasizes the X-37B’s civilian role, its potential capabilities have prompted global speculation of a modern space arms race. This includes similar initiatives from other nations such as China’s CSSHQ, raising concerns among defense experts.