The U.S. Space Force’s secretive X-37B space plane is preparing to perform a series of advanced maneuvers in orbit. The spacecraft will use a technique called aerobraking to change its orbit and dispose of its service module. Aerobraking involves using the drag of Earth’s atmosphere to slow down the spacecraft.
Learn from #TeamBoeing and the @SpaceForceDoD about the #X37B’s innovations and contributions to the space domain: pic.twitter.com/XadY2T6b5h
— Boeing Space (@BoeingSpace) October 11, 2024
This allows the X-37B to change orbits using minimal fuel.
The Boeing-built #X37B will perform ground-breaking aerobraking maneuvers to take the dynamic spaceplane from one Earth orbit to another while conserving fuel. Partnered with @SpaceForceDoD, this novel demonstration is the first of its kind.
Learn more: https://t.co/EYu7kVUmg6 pic.twitter.com/VS5tbliOWH
— Boeing Space (@BoeingSpace) October 10, 2024
“This first-of-its-kind maneuver from the X-37B is an incredibly important milestone for the United States Space Force as we seek to expand our aptitude and ability to perform in this challenging domain,” said Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman.
The X-37B has been in orbit for 10 months on its seventh mission, known as OTV-7. During this time, it has been conducting radiation-effect experiments and testing Space Domain Awareness technologies.
New blogpost:
"X-37B Spaceplane OTV 7 to lower orbit by aerobraking".
My discussion on what this practically might mean:https://t.co/eJkurxrSDZ— Dr Marco Langbroek (@Marco_Langbroek) October 10, 2024
The upcoming maneuvers will allow the X-37B to lower its orbit from its current elliptical path into a more circular one.
Aerobraking maneuvers of X-37B
As part of this process, the spacecraft will jettison its service module components. These components will re-enter the atmosphere more quickly, helping to reduce space debris.
Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said the X-37B maneuvers could have significant implications for how the Space Force navigates the environment in the future. “This novel and efficient series of maneuvers demonstrates the Space Force’s commitment to achieving groundbreaking innovation as it conducts national security missions in space,” he said. Following the aerobraking maneuvers, the X-37B will continue with its testing and experimental objectives before eventually de-orbiting and landing.
This follows the pattern of its previous six missions. The current mission builds on the legacy of the space plane, which first launched in 2010. Its prior mission lasted 908 days, showcasing the spacecraft’s ability to conduct long-duration operations in orbit.
Space enthusiasts and military observers alike will be closely watching the outcome of these new maneuvers. The success of the aerobraking technique could pave the way for more efficient space travel and exploration in the future.
Cameron is a highly regarded contributor in the rapidly evolving fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. His articles delve into the theoretical underpinnings of AI, the practical applications of machine learning across industries, ethical considerations of autonomous systems, and the societal impacts of these disruptive technologies.
