# The X-37B Spaceplane: Unveiling the Secrets of a Covert Mission
The X-37B spaceplane, a top-secret vehicle run by the U.S. Space Force, has been enveloped in intrigue for years. Details regarding its missions are seldom disclosed, and the Pentagon generally opts for silence during the operations of the spaceplane. Nevertheless, a recent statement from the Space Force has illuminated aspects of the mysterious vehicle’s latest mission, offering a rare insight into its functionalities and operations.
## A Craft That Keeps Rivals Uncertain
The X-37B is a reusable, autonomous spaceplane that has been engaged in confidential missions since its inaugural flight in 2010. This spacecraft is engineered for low-Earth orbit (LEO), yet its specific mission objectives have remained classified. What stands out is that the X-37B’s capacity to maneuver and alter its orbit renders it an invaluable tool for the U.S. military.
Among the prominent benefits of the X-37B is its unpredictability. A military spokesperson observed, “When it’s near the Earth, it’s sufficiently close to the atmosphere to change direction. Thus, our adversaries are left guessing—and this occurs on the opposite side of the Earth from them—where it will emerge next. And it’s well known that drives them crazy. And I’m quite pleased about that.”
This capability to shift its orbit and stay unclear is a crucial strategic benefit. The X-37B can vanish from radar and reemerge elsewhere, complicating adversaries’ efforts to monitor its trajectory and anticipate future endeavors. This unpredictability frustrates foreign nations, who remain uninformed regarding the spaceplane’s intentions and positions.
## Lifting the Veil: An Uncommon Update
The Pentagon’s choice to share an update about the X-37B during its seventh mission was unexpected. In the past, military officials have only provided minimal information ahead of a mission launch and then become tight-lipped until the spaceplane lands back on Earth. The ongoing secrecy surrounding the X-37B’s activities has spurred conjecture and fascination among enthusiasts and analysts of space.
However, in February, a significant breakthrough occurred when a satellite-tracking hobbyist detected the X-37B in orbit. By noticing sunlight bouncing off the spacecraft, the hobbyist was able to ascertain that the spaceplane was operating at a considerably higher altitude compared to earlier missions. Follow-up observations established that the X-37B was in a highly elongated orbit, ranging from 300 to 38,600 miles (186-by-23,985 miles) above the Earth, inclined at 59.1 degrees to the equator.
This marked a notable shift from the spaceplane’s earlier missions, which were limited to low-Earth orbit, just a handful of hundred miles above the surface. Discovering the X-37B’s new orbital route raised inquiries about the spacecraft’s activities in this altitude and how it would eventually return to its home planet.
## A Mission in an Elongated Orbit
The recent announcement from the Space Force clarified some details. Military officials stated that the X-37B’s current mission entails executing radiation effect experiments and assessing space domain awareness technologies in a highly elliptical orbit. This orbit leads the spaceplane through the Van Allen radiation belts, regions of intense radiation surrounding Earth, while intersecting several orbital zones populated by U.S. and international communications, navigation, and surveillance satellites.
The Van Allen belts pose substantial challenges to spacecraft due to elevated radiation levels. By traversing these belts, the X-37B is likely evaluating radiation effects on various technologies and materials, which could have significant implications for future space endeavors, particularly those involving human operators.
In addition to radiation studies, the X-37B is engaged in testing technologies dedicated to space domain awareness. This concept involves the capability to identify, monitor, and track objects in space, including satellites and debris. With the increasing number of entities in Earth’s orbit, maintaining situational awareness of the space environment is becoming increasingly vital for national security and safeguarding key assets in space.
## Experimenting with Advanced Technologies
The X-37B has a record of trialing advanced space technologies. In prior missions, the spaceplane has assessed a Hall-effect ion thruster, an electric propulsion mechanism that utilizes ions for thrust generation. This technology could be advantageous for prolonged space missions, offering greater efficiency than conventional chemical engines.
In addition to propulsion experiments, the X-37B has covertly deployed small military satellites into orbit. These satellites may serve various purposes, encompassing communications, surveillance, and reconnaissance. The ability to launch satellites from the X-37B adds further versatility to the vehicle’s operational capabilities.
## The Complexity of Reentry
One of
