A secretive US spaceship is about to aim unprecedented flight maneuvers above Earth.
The X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV-7) is an experimental space plane operated by america Space Force (USSF).
Although little has been revealed concerning the purpose of the vehicle, an official painting of the X-37B unveiled last yr depicted the futuristic vehicle intercepting an adversary satellite positioning to disable a friendly satellite.
USSF have now announced the X-37B will begin executing a series of “novel maneuvers” called aerobraking.
This sees various passes using the drag of Earth’s atmosphere to vary its orbit around Earth while expending minimal fuel.
If successful, it can allow the X-37B to soundly get rid of its service module components in accordance with recognized standards for space debris mitigation.
Since December 2023, USSF, 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.”
Once the aerobrake maneuver is complete, USSF say the X-37B will “resume its test and experimentation objectives until they’re completed,” at which era the vehicle will de-orbit and execute a protected return because it has during its six previous missions.
Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall stated, “This novel and efficient series of maneuvers demonstrates the Space Force’s commitment to achieving groundbreaking innovation because it conducts national security missions in space.”
Chief of Space Operations Gen. Likelihood Saltzman praised the team for its efforts. “This primary of a form maneuver from the X-37B is an incredibly essential milestone for america Space Force as we seek to expand our aptitude and talent to perform on this difficult domain. The success is a testament to the dedication and perseverance of the team.”
A secretive US spaceship is about to aim unprecedented flight maneuvers above Earth.
The X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV-7) is an experimental space plane operated by america Space Force (USSF).
Although little has been revealed concerning the purpose of the vehicle, an official painting of the X-37B unveiled last yr depicted the futuristic vehicle intercepting an adversary satellite positioning to disable a friendly satellite.
USSF have now announced the X-37B will begin executing a series of “novel maneuvers” called aerobraking.
This sees various passes using the drag of Earth’s atmosphere to vary its orbit around Earth while expending minimal fuel.
If successful, it can allow the X-37B to soundly get rid of its service module components in accordance with recognized standards for space debris mitigation.
Since December 2023, USSF, 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.”
Once the aerobrake maneuver is complete, USSF say the X-37B will “resume its test and experimentation objectives until they’re completed,” at which era the vehicle will de-orbit and execute a protected return because it has during its six previous missions.
Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall stated, “This novel and efficient series of maneuvers demonstrates the Space Force’s commitment to achieving groundbreaking innovation because it conducts national security missions in space.”
Chief of Space Operations Gen. Likelihood Saltzman praised the team for its efforts. “This primary of a form maneuver from the X-37B is an incredibly essential milestone for america Space Force as we seek to expand our aptitude and talent to perform on this difficult domain. The success is a testament to the dedication and perseverance of the team.”
