Top secret US space plane conducts advanced orbital exercises

The US military's top-secret X-37B space plane has begun testing advanced aerodynamic braking to change its trajectory.

According to Newsweek , the X-37B aircraft has been orbiting in a secret elliptical orbit for 10 months since being launched on its 7th mission on SpaceX's Falcon Heavy rocket (USA) in late December 2023.

Simulation of X-37B aircraft aerodynamic braking due to the resistance of the earth's atmosphere

On November 7, the X-37B demonstrated aerodynamic braking techniques. A series of aerodynamic braking maneuvers will take advantage of the drag from Earth’s atmosphere, helping to lower the X-37B’s orbit while using minimal fuel, according to the US Space Force.

“When we aerobrake, we use atmospheric drag to effectively lower the apex of the vehicle in waves until it reaches the desired trajectory. In doing so, we save a huge amount of propellant, and that's really why aerobraking is important,” explains Boeing engineer John Ealy.

The X-37B is an unmanned spacecraft developed by Boeing for the US Department of Defense. Measuring 8.9 m long and with a wingspan of 4.55 m, the X-37B is capable of flying in low Earth orbit, between 240 and 800 km above the ground, at a speed of about 28,200 km/h. According to Newsweek , this activity helps to precisely position the spacecraft to safely handle some of the module assemblies in Earth orbit.

US Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall hailed the technology as a groundbreaking innovation. US Space Force Commander General Chance Saltzman called the exercise a significant milestone for the country's space capabilities.

Boeing Test Systems Group Chief Holly Murphy said the X-37B's achievements continue to push the boundaries of U.S. space capabilities, reduce risk, and inform future space architectures.

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