The United States Space Force recently shared a rare photo of the X-37B space plane in orbit above Africa during its seventh mission launched on Dec. 28, 2023. This is the first public image of the secretive space plane, showing a solar panel and an open payload bay. The X-37B is testing aerobraking maneuvers to efficiently change orbit using Earth’s atmosphere. The Space Force uses the X-37B as a test platform for new space technologies, hosting experiments on solar power beaming, thermal protection systems, and autonomous flight capabilities. China is also testing a reusable space plane, launching around the same time as the X-37B’s recent mission.
https://www.space.com/space-force-x-37b-1st-photo-from-orbit-earth