14 DAY TRIAL // The X-37B robotic space plane operated by the United States Air Force (USAF) could return to Earth today, June 13. Some analysts believe that the autonomous vehicle will land at the Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB), in California.
As of today, the spacecraft has been in Earth's orbit for 467 days, after launching aboard an Atlas V delivery system on March 5, 2011, from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS), in Florida, Universe Today reports.
The X-37B series of space planes was designed to exceed a continuous mission time of 270 days. The first of the two vehicles went to space between April and December, 2010, spending just 225 days in orbit. The second vehicle, the one currently deployed to space, has far exceeded these performances.
Officials from the USAF are keeping characteristically silent about the mission, refusing to comment on when the space plane will return, or reveal any details of its flight. Many space experts believe that the vehicle is testing new surveillance equipment, but there's no way of knowing that for sure.