US Space Force Secures $1 Billion Funding for X-37B Space Plane in New Defense Bill
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The US Space Force has been allocated $1 billion in funding for its secretive X-37B space plane program under the newly passed National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The funding, part of what former President Donald Trump referred to as 'one big, beautiful bill,' underscores the growing emphasis on military space operations. The X-37B, an unmanned, reusable spacecraft operated by the Space Force, has long been shrouded in secrecy, with its missions often classified. The additional funding is expected to support further development and deployment of the vehicle, which has already completed multiple extended orbital missions. Analysts suggest the program plays a critical role in advancing the Pentagon’s space-based surveillance and technology testing capabilities. According to defense experts, the X-37B’s ability to spend extended periods in orbit—its last mission lasted over two years—makes it a valuable asset for experimenting with new technologies and maintaining US strategic dominance in space. The NDAA’s approval reflects bipartisan support for strengthening America’s space defense infrastructure amid rising competition from China and Russia. A report by *Breaking Defense* highlights that the funding aligns with broader military efforts to counter emerging threats in orbit, including anti-satellite weapons. Meanwhile, *SpaceNews* notes that the X-37B’s versatility could pave the way for future space logistics and reconnaissance missions. The NDAA, signed into law in late 2023, allocates a total of $886 billion for defense spending, with space initiatives receiving heightened attention. As geopolitical tensions escalate, the X-37B program is poised to remain a cornerstone of US military strategy beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
