Summary and Key Points You Need to Know: The X-37B is a highly advanced, unmanned spaceplane developed by the U.S. Air Force and Boeing. Resembling a mini space shuttle, it has broken records for the longest time spent in orbit, demonstrating its potential as a versatile asset in space. Originally designed as a technological testbed, the X-37B is believed to have a broader strategic role.

-It could serve as a space-based missile defense system, intercepting incoming threats, or as a tool to disrupt enemy satellites, countering anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) systems.

-In an era of increasing geopolitical tension, the X-37B may become pivotal in maintaining U.S. military dominance in space.

What is the X-37B?

In an increasingly fraught geopolitical space, one arena of potential conflict remains relatively unknown to most Americans. 

That is the strategic domain of space. 

In orbit around the Earth are some of the world’s most important and sensitive satellites. The crown jewels of American military power projection exist in vital-yet-vulnerable satellite clusters, any of which are slated for destruction by U.S. rivals if a major war erupts. 

Further, enemy nuclear missiles and hypersonic glide vehicles must cross through space on their way to targets below in the United States.

Space-Based Missile Defense Comes to Life

Any hope of intercepting such incoming missiles, then, exists in space. This was the basis of former President Ronald Reagan’s Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI). For a variety of reasons, SDI never got off the ground. This was a massive missed opportunity. But the Pentagon is not entirely defenseless when it comes to shooting down incoming missiles. 

The X-37B spaceplane is more than ready to interdict incoming attacks, at least in my view. Granted, this sophisticated bird will be unable to stop a full barrage of missiles launched from a rival, such as the Russian Federation or the People’s Republic of China, but I would argue it can stop some of them. 

And in the face of possible nuclear or other long-range missile or hypersonic attack by various rogue states, such as Iran or North Korea, the X-37B could be instrumental in providing reliable space-based missile defense. 

America’s X-37B has already broken all the world records for longest duration in orbit. It stayed in space for a whopping 900 days. This bird is unmanned. It is a space drone, essentially. It looks like a miniature space shuttle and even has a sizable “truck bed” that could theoretically allow it to carry an assortment of payloads into orbit—including offensive, co-orbital satellites that my colleague, Brian G. Chow nicknamed “space stalkers.” 

Anti-A2/AD Capabilities

However limited, the X-37B’s deployment in a possible space-based missile defense capacity could be instrumental in keeping U.S. forces in any fight far longer than they ordinarily would under similar conditions. Meanwhile, if not used for space-based missile defense, the X-37B could certainly be used to knock out the space-based sensors that provide rivals with situational awareness.

Indeed, as I have previously written in these pages, the X-37B could be America’s secret ace-in-the-sleeve for overcoming the A2/AD challenge that is becoming a significant threat to the U.S. military. 

The X-37B has often been labeled as a technological testbed. This bird has conducted a variety of experiments for various U.S. government stakeholders. These experiments have ranged from materials science to advanced space propulsion systems. The X-37B has even participated in testing ways to use what many believe is one of the most promising forms of alternative energy: space-based solar power. 

A Most Important Bird

The X-37B is a key asset, although little is known about it. It is so much more than just an experimental research bird. This thing will be deployed in the event of a major war. It will be used to attack enemy satellites to degrade the A2/AD capabilities of rival nations, it may be used to shoot down incoming missiles traversing through space, and it could be used to deliver payloads to targets on the Earth below. 

The world is moving closer to a major conflict. Space will be a key battlefield in that new war. America’s X-37B is one way the U.S. military will ensure it can dominate strategic high ground. 

Author Experience and Expertise: Brandon J. Weichert

Brandon J. Weichert, a National Interest national security analyst, is a former Congressional staffer and geopolitical analyst who is a contributor at The Washington Times, the Asia Times, and The-Pipeline. He is the author of Winning Space: How America Remains a Superpower, Biohacked: China’s Race to Control Life, and The Shadow War: Iran’s Quest for Supremacy. His next book, A Disaster of Our Own Making: How the West Lost Ukraine, is due October 22 from Encounter Books. Weichert can be followed via Twitter @WeTheBrandon.

All images are Creative Commons or Shutterstock.

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