Boeing-Built X-37B Space Plane Sets Record After 908 Days in Orbit

Orbiter’s sixth mission included a solar energy experiment and satellite deployment.

Jonathan Welsh

Monday, November 14, 2022 at 01:48 PM ET

Verified

The Boeing-built X-37B set a record of 908 days in orbit [Courtesy: Boeing]

Key Takeaways:

The X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle, a reusable Boeing-built space plane, landed on November 12, completing its sixth mission and setting a new endurance record of 908 days in orbit.
During its record-breaking mission, the X-37B carried various experiments for government and industrial partners, including a solar energy project and a cadet-built satellite, showcasing its capability for rapid technology testing.
This mission notably utilized a service module to expand its payload capacity, which successfully separated before the vehicle's safe re-entry.

See a mistake? Contact us.

The X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle, a reusable space plane built by Boeing (NYSE: BA), landed at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on November 12 after setting an endurance record of 908 days in orbit. The previous record was 780 days in orbit.

The occasion also marked the completion of the vehicle’s sixth mission. The X-37B carries experiments into space and returns them to earth for analysis for government and industrial partners. It has now flown more than 1.3 billion statute miles and spent 3,774 days in space.