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U.S. Space Force's Secret X-37B Sparks Global Speculation

1/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Space Force's X-37B operates largely in secrecy, prompting Russia and China to speculate it could be a nuclear space bomber.
Officially, the X-37B is a technology demonstrator for sensors and materials.
Its classified missions last for years, leaving its true capabilities ambiguous.
The Space Force awarded a $27 million contract to Slingshot Aerospace, a private company, to integrate AI into space warfare training.

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Story summary

The U.S. Space Force's X-37B operates largely in secrecy, prompting Russia and China to speculate it could be a nuclear space bomber.
Officially, the X-37B is a technology demonstrator for sensors and materials.
Its classified missions last for years, leaving its true capabilities ambiguous.
The Space Force awarded a $27 million contract to Slingshot Aerospace, a private company, to integrate AI into space warfare training.