Secretive US spaceship to attempt unprecedented maneuvers above Earth
A secretive US spaceship is about to attempt unprecedented flight maneuvers above Earth.
The X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV-7) is an experimental space plane operated by the United States Space Force (USSF).
Although little has been revealed about the purpose of the vehicle, an official painting of the X-37B unveiled last year depicted the futuristic-looking vehicle intercepting an adversary satellite positioning to disable a friendly satellite.
The US Space Force’s X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle at Kennedy Space Center on Nov. 12, 2022. U.S Space Force/Boeing / SWNS
A rendering of the X-37B conducting an aerobraking maneuver. Courtesy Boeing Space / SWNS
The USSF has announced that the X-37B will begin executing a series of “novel maneuvers” called aerobraking.
This involves a number of passes using the drag of Earth’s atmosphere to change its orbit around Earth while expending minimal fuel.
If successful, it will allow the X-37B to safely dispose of its service module components in accordance with recognized standards for space debris mitigation.
A rendering showing the spacecraft intercepting an adversary satellite. John Ayre/Space Force / SWNS
The X-37B at Kennedy Space Center on Oct. 27, 2019. U.S Space Force/Boeing / SWNS
Since December 2023, the USSF, 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.”
Once the aerobrake maneuver is complete, the USSF says 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.
Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall stated, “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.”
Chief of space operations Gen. Chance Saltzman praised the team for its efforts. “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. The success is a testament to the dedication and perseverance of the team.”
