The X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV-7) will begin performing a series of innovative maneuvers called aerobraking to alter its orbit around Earth and safely dispose of its service module components, in accordance with recognized standards for space debris mitigation. Beginning December 28, 2023, the United States Space Force, supported by theAir Force rapid capabilities office, conducted experiments on the effects of radiation and tested technologies Space Domain Awareness in a highly elliptical orbit.
The use of the maneuver of aerobraking - a series of passes using Earth's atmospheric drag - allows the spacecraft to change orbit with minimal fuel consumption. Once the maneuver is complete, the X-37B will resume its test and experimentation objectives until their completion, at which point the vehicle will deorbit and perform a safe return, as it has done on its six previous missions.
Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall said: "This series of innovative and efficient maneuvers demonstrates the Space Force's commitment to achieving cutting-edge innovations during national security missions in space."
This is the first time the U.S. Space Force and the X-37B have attempted this dynamic maneuver. aerobraking, building on the success of the spacecraft's six previous missions, as well as decades of lessons learned from the scientific community that has conducted missions to the Moon and Mars.
Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman praised the team for its efforts: "This unprecedented maneuver by the X-37B represents an incredibly important milestone for the United States Space Force as we seek to expand our operational capabilities in this challenging domain. The success is a testament to the team's dedication and perseverance."
AFRCO has managed the X-37B program since 2010 and is dedicated to advancing the next generation of reusable space capabilities for the United States Space Force.
Image: Boeing Space
