The US Space Force's X-37B space plane has conducted a groundbreaking maneuver, using atmospheric drag to alter its orbit and enhance its stealth capabilities.
Designed by Boeing and operated by the US Space Force (USSF), this remotely operated, reusable space plane is designed to operate in Low-Earth Orbit (LEO), 240 to 800 kilometers (150 to 500 miles) above the Earth, and test reusable vehicle technologies that support long-term space objectives. The X-37B began its seventh mission (OTV-7) and has reportedly been conducting experiments on the effects of space radiation and testing Space Domain Awareness (SDA) technologies.
To change its orbit around Earth, the spacecraft will be performing a series of maneuvers. These maneuvers will consist of the spacecraft brushing against Earth's upper atmosphere to shed speed and lower its orbit without expending much fuel – a technique known as atmospheric drag deorbiting. This is the first time the X-37B has performed such a maneuver, which will help it evade detection by potentially hostile nations and perform undetected low passes over Earth during future missions. According to a statement by the USSF, this latest maneuver leverages six successful missions in LEO and decades of lessons learned from missions like the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) orbiter used its solar panels as 'wings' to control its passage through Mars' tenuous upper atmosphere and lower its orbit over several months. '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,' said Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall. '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,' added Chief of Space Operations General John W. Raymond
X-37B Space Plane Orbit Maneuver Space Domain Awareness National Security
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