Secret X-37B spaceplane maneuvers could impact future space operations
By Courtney Albon
Thursday, Oct 10, 2024
An artist's rendering of the X-37B conducting an aerobraking maneuver using the drag of Earth’s atmosphere. (Boeing Space)
Ten months into its latest and largely classified mission, the Space Force’s X-37B spaceplane is embarking on a new set of maneuvers that could inform future space operations for the service.
The Boeing-built spacecraft has functioned as a testbed for Pentagon and NASA technologies since 2010. The spacecraft’s current mission, OTV-7, began in December with the goal of experimenting with future space domain awareness technologies.
While many details of the mission are classified, the Space Force offered a rare glimpse into the X-37B’s latest endeavor in a press release Thursday, revealing that the spaceplane is preparing to conduct what’s called an aerobraking maneuver.
Although it’s a new move for the X-37B, aerobraking has been used by NASA and other space agencies for years. The technique involves a series of passes that rely on the drag of Earth’s atmosphere. If successful, it will allow the X-37B to change orbits using minimal fuel.
https://www.militarytimes.com/space/2024/10/10/secret-x-37b-spaceplane-maneuvers-could-impact-future-space-operations/
