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 vehicle intercepting an adversary satellite positioning to disable a friendly satellite.
USSF have now announced the X-37B will begin executing a series of “novel maneuvers” called aerobraking.
This sees 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.
Since December 2023, 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, USSF say 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.
Secretary of the Air Force 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.”
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