Boeing-Built Craft Will Perform Aerobraking To Lower Orbit

Ten months into its 7th mission, the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle will perform a series of aerobraking maneuvers that will take the spaceplane from a Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO) to a lower altitude using minimal fuel.

This will be the first time the X-37B, Boeing, and the U.S. Space Force attempt such a new demonstration. During aerobraking, the craft will use the drag of Earth’s atmosphere to slow itself down by reducing its kinetic energy and changing its orbit using just a minimal amount of fuel.

Michelle Parker, vice president of Boeing’s Space Mission Systems explained, “Space is a vast and unforgiving environment where testing technologies is critical to the success of future endeavors.  There is no other space platform as capable, flexible and maneuverable as the X-37B, and its next demonstration will be another proof point that this test vehicle sets the pace of innovation.”

Another element of the aerobraking maneuver includes discarding its Service Module, which Space Force says will be disposed of in accordance with established standards for space debris mitigation. The X-37B’s aerobraking and orbit change will be conducted in a safe and responsible manner. After completion of the orbit change, the X-37B will resume its testing and experimental objectives.

Gen. Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations said, “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.”

FMI:  boeing.com