X-37B before a new type of "aerobraking" flight maneuver

During its current mission, the US Space Force's unmanned X-37B space probe is to try out a new flight maneuver, as the US Space Force's space department has now officially announced. In what is known as "aerobraking", the space probe is to change its orbit with minimal fuel consumption.

The Boeing-built "X-37B" was launched on its seventh mission at the end of December. Since then, the spacecraft has been orbiting the earth and carrying out tests. The US government usually reveals very little about its exact activities. This time it is different: in an official blog post, the Space Force provides information about the project.

"Aerobraking" should save fuel

According to the post, the probe will use the tractive force of the Earth's atmosphere to change its own orbit while using as little fuel as possible. In the process, the probe will also separate from its service module, a payload mounted at the rear. Naturally in accordance with applicable space debris containment standards, the authority emphasizes.

Once the maneuvers have been completed, the spacecraft will begin its last remaining experiments and tests – but which ones these are remains a secret. X-37B will then return to Earth and complete its seventh mission. It is not known exactly when this will be – In the past, the X-37B spacecraft has sometimes been in orbit for over 600 days. It has currently been in space for almost ten months.

Space Force speaks of "milestone"

The head of space operations, General Chance Saltzman, spoke of an "incredibly important milestone for the United States Space Force as we look to expand our capabilities in this challenging area." The Space Force is apparently focusing more on how satellites and space probes can better switch between different altitudes and orbits.

(nen)