The space craft X-37 B will return back to earth this week possibly on Tuesday. The Orbital Test vehicle was on a secret mission and stayed in the orbit for an unprecedented period of 671 days. After its 22 months stay, the plane will touch down in California at Vandenberg Air force Base. Preparations are being made in order to land the reusable Space Craft safely. It possesses radars sensors and cameras like other conventional spy satellites.

It was launched in to the space on 12th of December, 2012. It is equipped with sensors which have the tendency to alter after coming back to Earth as per the requirement of different missions. This tendency make the space craft a cheaper option than satellite as those satellites cost billions of dollars and can be used for one time only as they cannot be reconfigured and its disposal is inevitable after a single mission.

30th Space Wing commander Col. Keith Baits said, on Friday, in a press statement said, “Team Vandenberg stands ready to implement safe landing operations for the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle, the third time for this unique mission”.

Previously it was launched in April 2010 for its first mission. But the mission has never been revealed to the world. It is also being speculated that its mission may be the stealing and snatching of foreign satellites or to hit their enemies as orbital bomber. Nothing can be said on confirmed basis until U.S Air force comes in open to reveal its mission.