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X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle Marks Year-Long Historic Mission

1/17/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Space Force's X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV-7) has made history by surpassing a year in flight since its launch on December 28, 2023. Currently, it is skillfully maneuvering through aerobraking to adjust its orbit while saving fuel. This groundbreaking mission tests radiation impacts and Space Domain Awareness technologies, with a safe return to Kennedy Space Center on the horizon.

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Story summary

The U.S. Space Force's X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV-7) has made history by surpassing a year in flight since its launch on December 28, 2023. Currently, it is skillfully maneuvering through aerobraking to adjust its orbit while saving fuel. This groundbreaking mission tests radiation impacts and Space Domain Awareness technologies, with a safe return to Kennedy Space Center on the horizon.