X-37B begins new space exercise > US Space Force > View article

The X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV-7) will begin a series of new maneuvers, called aerobraking, to alter its orbit around Earth and safely jettison its service module components in accordance with recognized space debris mitigation standards. Since December 28, 2023, the US Space Force, with support from the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, has conducted radiative forcing experiments and tested space domain awareness technologies in a highly elliptical orbit.

The use of an aerobraking maneuver – a series of passes using the drag of the Earth's atmosphere – enables the spacecraft to change orbits while consuming minimal fuel. Once the aerobraking maneuver is complete, the X-37B will resume test and experiment objectives until they are accomplished, at which time the vehicle will deorbit and perform a safe return as it did during its previous six missions.

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall “This new and effective series of maneuvers demonstrates the Space Force's commitment to achieving groundbreaking innovation while conducting national security missions in space,” he said.

This is the first time the US Space Force and the X-37B have attempted a dynamic aerobraking maneuver to leverage six successful missions to operate the spaceplane safely, as well as decades of public lessons learned from the scientific community that has conducted missions on the Moon and Mars. Missions.

Head of Space Operations General Chance Saltzman He praised the team for its efforts. “This first-of-its-kind X-37B maneuver is a very important milestone for the U.S. Space Force as we seek to expand our capabilities and ability to perform in this challenging domain. The success is a testament to the dedication and perseverance of the team.”

AFRCO has managed the X-37B program since 2010. It is dedicated to developing the next generation of reusable space capabilities for the U.S. Space Force.