The US Space Force has released a stunning photo of Earth taken by the X-37B space plane, a secretive autonomous spacecraft that has been orbiting the planet since its launch in December 2023. The image, published on Friday, offers a rare glimpse of the space plane's capabilities and provides insight into its experimental maneuvers in high-Earth orbit.

The X-37B space plane, on its seventh mission, snapped the photo during "first-of-kind" aerobraking maneuvers aimed at safely changing its orbit using minimal fuel. According to the Air Force, this process involves a series of passes using the drag of Earth's atmosphere, after which the space plane will resume its other experiments before de-orbiting.

This is not the first time the X-37B has been in the spotlight. Its sixth mission, which concluded in November 2022, lasted an impressive 908 days, making it the longest mission to date. Prior to its launch, the Space Force outlined the mission's goals, including operating in new orbital regimes and testing future space domain awareness technologies. The space plane also carried an onboard NASA experiment involving plant seeds' radiation exposure during long spaceflight missions.

The X-37B's experimental nature and secretive operations have sparked curiosity among space enthusiasts and experts alike. While the Space Force has been tight-lipped about the space plane's specific objectives, the released photo provides a rare glimpse into its capabilities and the experimental work being conducted in high-Earth orbit.

The release of the photo comes at a time when space agencies and private companies are increasingly pushing the boundaries of space exploration and technology. As the space industry continues to evolve, the X-37B's experimental maneuvers and the data it collects will likely play a significant role in shaping the future of space travel and exploration.

In conclusion, the release of the photo taken by the X-37B space plane is a testament to the US Space Force's commitment to advancing space technology and exploration. As the space industry continues to evolve, the X-37B's experimental work will likely have far-reaching implications for the future of space travel and exploration.