One of top secret spaceplanes of United States is set to conduct first-of-a-kind maneuver.
The X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV-7) will change its orbit by executing a series of novel maneuvers, called aerobraking.
The vehicle will change its orbit around Earth and safely dispose of its service module components in accordance with recognized standards for space debris mitigation, according to U.S. Space Force.
Dynamic aerobraking maneuver
This is reportedly the first time that the U.S. Space Force and the X-37B are attempting to carry out this dynamic aerobraking maneuver leveraging six successful missions of operating the space plane safely, as well as decades of general lessons learned from the scientific community conducting Moon and Mars missions.
The U.S. Space Force maintains that the use of the aerobraking maneuver- a series of passes using the drag of Earth’s atmosphere- enables the spacecraft to change orbits while expending minimal fuel.
X-37B will resume its experimentation objectives
Once the aerobrake maneuver is complete, the X-37B will resume its test and experimentation objectives until they are accomplished, at which time the vehicle will de-orbit and execute a safe return as it has during its six previous missions.
“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,” said Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall.
AFRCO has managed the X-37B program since 2010
Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office (AFRCO) has managed the X-37B program since 2010. It is dedicated to advancing the next generation of reusable space capabilities for the United States Space Force.
Since December 28, 2023, the United States Space Force, supported by the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, has conducted radiation effect experiments and has been testing Space Domain Awareness technologies in a Highly Elliptical Orbit.
“This first of a 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 success is a testament to the dedication and perseverance of the team.”
Based on NASA’s X-37 design, the unmanned OTV is designed for vertical launch to low Earth orbit altitudes where it can perform long-duration space technology experiments and tests. Commanded from the ground, the OTV autonomously reenters the atmosphere, descends, and lands horizontally on a runway, reported The Aviationist.
The work on the X-37 began in 1999. U.S. Air Force started the test project with NASA. However, in 2004, the project was transferred to DARPA. The agency completed the ALTV portion of the X-37 program in 2006 and performed a series of captive-carried and free-flight tests.
