The US Space Force has shared a mind blowing image from a top secret space plane for the first time in history.
The incredibly rare image marks the first time that a photo has been shared from the secretive spacecraft.
The photo was taken during a recent top secret mission and people are now able to catch a glimpse of how Earth looks from the spaceship, which is called spacecraft X-37B.
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Taking to X, formerly Twitter, the United States Space Force account wrote in a post: “An X-37B onboard camera, used to ensure the health and safety of the vehicle, captures an image of Earth while conducting experiments in HEO in 2024.The X-37B executed a series of first-of-kind maneuvers, called aerobraking, to safely change its orbit using minimal fuel.”
Along with a post, it shared the image which shows part of the plane and Earth in the middle, with the darkness of space behind it.
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It is safe to say that people were shocked by the image, with many taking to the X comment section to share their reactions.
One user wrote: “WE HAVE SPACE PLANES?!”
Another said: “Approximately 13k-18k miles from Earth based on image resolution and comparative analysis of photos.”
A third commented: “Wow, you guys went way way way way beyond the orbit of the space station.
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“Wish we could have a 24/7 webcam at that distance.”
A fourth said: “This is an incredibly high orbit. The X-37 space plane fleet continues to amaze!”
And a fifth person added: “These space force kids have the coolest toys.”
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The space plane is used for various missions, some of which being secretive, which includes using the spacecraft as an orbital test platform.
During its last mission, the X-37B set a new endurance record after spending 908 days in orbit, according to Boeing.
Prior to this, the spacecraft had spent a total of 780 consecutive days in orbit.
When returning to Earth, the space plane will land on the former space shuttle runway at the NASA Kennedy Space Center.
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The runway is now known as the Launch and Landing Facility.
Although it's strictly secret when the plane is scheduled to land, locals usually have a pretty good indicator on when X-37B is making its return to Earth.
This is because the loud sonic booms that it makes when it lands can be heard by residents of the Florida Space Coast.