X-37B: The Mysterious ‘Space Drone’ Pushing the Limits of Orbital Tech

Imagine a robot spaceship that looks like a mini space shuttle — that’s the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle. This vehicle is like a giant science lab orbiting Earth, but it’s totally uncrewed — no pilot needed. Its amazing design allows it to stay in space for over a year at a time, performing secret experiments before flying itself back to Earth and landing like a normal plane.

On its most recent mission, the X-37B is testing two incredible technologies: Laser Communications, using beams of light to send massive amounts of data in space much faster than radio waves, and a new Quantum Sensor. This quantum sensor is so advanced it can figure out the spacecraft’s exact location without needing GPS — a game changer for long-distance space travel to places like the Moon or Mars. This “space drone” is helping us build the future of exploration.

Source: U.S. Space Force Launches Eighth X-37B Mission — spaceforce.mil

Photo: U.S. Space Force | defense.gov