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Space Force's mysterious X-37B plane returns to Earth after 434 days in orbit
The United States Space Force’s secretive X-37B space plane touched down to earth on Friday after spending 434 days in orbit conducting mysterious tests.
The unmanned Boeing-made aircraft landed at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 2:22 a.m. EST having “broke new ground” by completing a range of test and experimentation objectives, the USSF said in a statement.
The space plane was launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida by SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy Rocket in 2023 in what was its seventh mission. The aircraft is solar-powered, reusable and operated remotely. Space.com noted that most of its payloads remain classified.
The United States Space Force’s secretive X-37B space plane completed its seventh mission on Friday. (Space Force)
AIR FORCE’S MYSTERIOUS X-37B SPACE PLANE RETURNS TO EARTH AFTER RECORD-BREAKING 780 DAYS IN ORBIT
Space Force said the tests while in a highly elliptical orbit demonstrated the aircraft’s “robust maneuver capability.”
The technique involves using the drag caused by the Earth’s atmosphere to change its orbit more efficiently while expending minimal fuel, Space Force said.
While in orbit, Mission 7 tested “space domain awareness technology experiments” that aim to improve the United States Space Force’s knowledge of the space environment, the agency said.
After aerobraking to a low earth orbit and completing its test and experimentation objectives, Mission 7 successfully performed its deorbit and landing procedures.
The United States Space Force’s secretive X-37B space plane on the tarmac. (Space Force)
SECRETIVE US SPACE FORCE PLANE SHARES RARE PHOTO OF EARTH FROM ORBIT
“Mission 7 broke new ground by showcasing the X-37B’s ability to flexibly accomplish its test and experimentation objectives across orbital regimes.” Gen. Chance Saltzman, chief of space operations at Space Force, said in a statement.
“The successful execution of the aerobraking maneuver underscores Space Force’s commitment to pushing the bounds of novel space operations in a safe and responsible manner.”
Space Force shared several images of the aircraft after it touched down. In one image, a group of people in hazmat-like suits approach the secretive plane.
Lt. Col. Blaine Stewart, the X-37B program director, said that the mission marked a significant milestone in the ongoing development of the agency’s dynamic mission capability.
The United States Space Force’s secretive X-37B space plane (Space Force)
“Mission 7’s operation in a new orbital regime, its novel aerobraking maneuver, and its testing of space domain awareness experiments have written an exciting new chapter in the X-37B program,” Steward said.
Last month, Space Force shared a rare image of Earth while conducting experiments.
Read the full article from Here
The Utah Mammoth announced today the roster for their 2026 Development Camp, which will take place with on-ice sessions from June 29 to July 2. Development camp is designed to provide Mammoth prospects with NHL coaching and instruction during on- and off-ice workout sessions.
Five of Utah’s six 2026 draft picks, including 17th overall selection Ethan Belchetz, will participate in the camp, along with previous first-round selections Caleb Desnoyers (2025), Tij Iginla (2024) and Cole Beaudoin (2024). The full roster includes 35 players, consisting of 16 forwards, 14 defensemen and five goaltenders.
2026 DEVELOPMENT CAMP ROSTER:
Forwards: Owen Allard, Samu Bau, Cole Beaudoin, Ethan Belchetz, Yegor Borikov, Caleb Desnoyers, Štĕpán Hoch, Florent Houle, Vojtěch Hradec, Tij Iginla, Quinn Kennedy (invite), Tanner Ludtke, Jacob Newcombe (invite), Noel Nordh, Gabe Smith, Adam Valentini
Defensemen: Reko Alanko, Gregor Biber, CJ Foley (invite), Terrell Goldsmith, Brandon Holt (free agent), Ludvig Johnson, Theodor Knights, Ludvig Lafton, Tomas Lavoie, Matthew Morden, Max Pšenička, Will Skahan, Cal Thomas, Veeti Väisänen
Goaltenders: Carl Axelsson, Michael Hrabal, Carsen Musser, Melker Thelin, Ivan Tkach-Tkachenko
NUMERICAL ROSTER:
2 – Theodor Knights
4 – Brandon Holt
5 – CJ Foley
12 – Tij Iginla
14 – Štěpán Hoch
16 – Ethan Belchetz
18 – Caleb Desnoyers
23 – Ludvig Johnson
24 – Cole Beaudoin
29 – Carl Axelsson
30 – Michael Hrabal
32 – Carsen Musser
34 – Ivan Tkach-Tkachenko
36 – Florent Houle
37 – Owen Allard
42 – Cal Thomas
45 – Noel Nordh
46 – Jacob Newcombe
47 – Max Pšenička
51 – Veeti Väisänen
54 – Terrell Goldsmith
59 – Matthew Morden
60 – Melker Thelin
61 – Will Skahan
64 – Reko Alanko
65 – Yegor Borikov
68 – Ludvig Lafton
72 – Vojtěch Hradec
73 – Samu Bau
75 – Tomas Lavoie
80 – Tanner Ludtke
85 – Quinn Kennedy
93 – Gabe Smith
94 – Gregor Biber
95 – Adam Valentini
WASHINGTON (Gray DC) – The Supreme Court has one week remaining to release decisions before the end of its term, with seven cases still pending — including a major ruling on birthright citizenship.
Justices face a traditional July 1 deadline to wrap up the term. Among the remaining cases is the birthright citizenship case Trump v. Barbara, argued in April, which is one of several cases involving President Donald Trump that will test the limits of executive branch power.
Meanwhile, the president is set to travel to North Dakota for the dedication of the Theodore Roosevelt Library, the first of multiple events and speeches planned during the week of America’s 250th birthday.
On the eve of Independence Day, Trump will then visit Mount Rushmore before returning to Washington, D.C., for the nation’s semiquincentennial celebrations.
Festivities in the nation’s capital include a fireworks display on the National Mall that organizers say will attempt to break the world record. Views of the display will be available from across Washington, D.C.
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