US Military's Secretive X-37B Spaceplane Lands After 434 Days in Orbit

The unmanned Boeing-built spacecraft completed its seventh mission, demonstrating orbital maneuvering and conducting classified experiments.

The X-37B, a reusable spaceplane operated by the U.S. Space Force, returned to Earth after a 434-day mission in orbit.
Launched in December 2023 by SpaceX from NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the mission carried out undisclosed military experiments and tests.
The spacecraft landed at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California early Friday, with its touchdown announced hours later.
The mission showcased the ability to adjust orbits using atmospheric drag, a technique that conserves fuel during operations.
First introduced in 2010, the X-37B program has conducted seven missions, with the longest lasting 908 days in space.