USAF space plane sets orbital record

After a record-breaking 718 consecutive days in orbit, the United States Air Force’s X-37B space plane landed recently landed at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

The flight, which is part of the USAF’s Orbital Test Vehicle program, added to the total amount of days spent in orbit for the program putting it at 2,085.

"The landing of OTV-4 marks another success for the X-37B program and the nation," said Lt. Col. Ron Fehlen, X-37B program manager. "This mission once again set an on-orbit endurance record and marks the vehicle's first landing in the state of Florida. We are incredibly pleased with the performance of the space vehicle and are excited about the data gathered to support the scientific and space communities. We are extremely proud of the dedication and hard work by the entire team."

While the next launch of the X-37B will take place at some point this year, the bigger mystery remains what the mission of the program might be. The details remain classified.