Boeing-built X-37B. US Space Force
The Boeing-built X-37B will carry out innovative aerobraking maneuvers, using Earth’s atmosphere to shift between orbits while conserving fuel.
Starting with the X-37B’s Orbital Test Vehicle-7 (OTV-7), in partnership with the U.S. Space Force, is the first demonstration of its kind.
The spacecraft will perform aerobraking to adjust its orbit and safely dispose of its service module in line with space debris guidelines.
Since December 28, 2023, the U.S. Space Force and Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office have been running radiation experiments and testing Space Domain Awareness technologies in a highly elliptical orbit.
By using aerobraking—a technique that relies on atmospheric drag—the X-37B can change orbits with minimal fuel use. Once complete, the spacecraft will continue its tests and, after fulfilling its mission objectives, will de-orbit and return safely, as it has done on six previous missions.
source US Space Force
Leave A Comment