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Boeing’s X-37B spaceplane begins novel manoeuvre in orbit

The Boeing X-37B spaceplane is to begin executing a series of novel manoeuvres, called aerobraking, to change its orbit around Earth, the US Space Force has announced.

Since 28th December 2023, the US Space Force, 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.

The use of the aerobraking manoeuvre – a series of passes using the drag of Earth's atmosphere – enables the spacecraft to change orbits while expending minimal fuel. Once the aerobrake manoeuvre is complete, the X-378 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.

The manoeuvres will safely dispose of its service module components in accordance with recognised standards for space debris mitigation.

Secretary of the Air Force, Frank Kendall, commented: "This novel and efficient series of manoeuvres demonstrates the Space Force's commitment to achieving groundbreaking innovation as it conducts national security missions in space."

This is the first time the US Space Force and the X-37B have attempted to carry out this dynamic aerobraking manoeuvre, leveraging six successful missions of operating the space plane safely, as well as decades of general lessons learned from the scientific community conducting Moon and Mars missions.

Chief of Space Operations, Gen. Chance Saltzman praised the team for its efforts, commenting: "This first of a kind manoeuvre 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."

The Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office (AFRCO) has managed the X-37B programme since 2010. It is dedicated to advancing the next generation of reusable space capabilities for the US Space Force.

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