Secret Space Force plane shares rare photo

The Space Force shares a photo of Earth taken by the X-37B space plane
On Friday, the Space Force published a picture taken last year from a camera mounted on the secretive X-37B space plane while high above the Earth. Space.com notes that the “one other glimpse” of the plane in space was while it was “deploying from Falcon Heavy’s upper stage” during its December 2023 launch.
Space Force reveals image snapped by top secret space plane for first time
Over the weekend, the US Space Force shared a photo taken by the spacecraft X-37B during its most recent secret mission. It’s the first operational image shared while the space plane is in orbit. The image shows part of the space plane, the blue marble of Earth and the darkness of space.
US Space Force reveals 1st look at secretive X-37B space plane in orbit (photo)
While the U.S. Space Force, and its previous operator the U.S. Air Force, have been tightlipped about what the space plane does on its lengthy missions, what is known is that the X-37B serves as a test platform for new space technologies.
What we know: Secretive Space Force X-37B space plane sends back photo of Earth
According to Boeing, the X-37B has a body and landing operation similar to the Space Shuttle, however it is smaller, measuring in at just one-fourth the size of the shuttle. "The X-37B design combines the best of aircraft and spacecraft into an affordable system that is easy to operate and maintain," the description read.
The secretive X-37B space plane snapped this picture of Earth from orbit
It’s not every day that we get to see a glimpse of what a mysterious space plane is up to in orbit. This week, the US Space Force shared a picture it says was snapped last year by the X-37B, showing Earth in the distance and a bit of the craft itself.
Pic: Secret Space Force plane shares rare photo
A rare photo of earth from the United States Space Force's secretive X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle was released by the Space Force on Friday.
The United States Space Force releases first-ever photo taken by highly secretive plane in orbit
We've never before seen the mysterious spacecraft in orbit, and only the U.S. Air Force knows what its doing up there
Secretive US Space Force plane shares rare photo of Earth from orbit
The United States Space Force shared a never-before-seen glimpse into its notably secretive X-37B space plane in orbit. The photo showed the space plane and Earth.
Secretive X-37B space plane shares first images from orbit; see photos
For the first time, the US military shared an orbital selfie from its mysterious X-37B space plane, which captured Earth from high above Africa.
US Space Force Publishes Photo of Earth Taken By X-37B Space Plane
X-37B floats in the upper portion of the picture, one of its gallium arsenide solar panels visible on the left. The Space Force said the image was captured by an "onboard camera used to ensure the health and safety of [X-37B].
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