The mysterious X-37B spaceplane, built by Boeing, will shortly execute a sequence of sophisticated aerobraking maneuvers to descend from its current Highly Elliptical Orbit, where it has been operating since December 2023, while using minimum fuel.
To reduce the vehicle’s energy and alter its orbit, the X-37B will employ the drag of Earth’s atmosphere during aerobraking. The X-37B’s orbit change will be conducted safely and responsibly, and the Service Module disposal will be performed in accordance with established standards for space debris mitigation. The X-37B will resume its test and experimentation objectives upon the completion of aerobraking.
Simply put, the X-37B is comparable to a small, robotic spacecraft. Currently, it is in an extremely elongated orbit around the Earth, resembling an oval rather than a circle. The unique aspect of its forthcoming mission is that it will implement an innovative approach to increase its proximity to Earth.
The X-37B will employ a clever maneuver: it will briefly enter Earth’s atmosphere, rather than using a significant amount of fuel to decelerate down, which is the typical method used by spacecraft to change orbits. When this occurs, the air will function as a moderate brake, gradually decreasing its velocity. This is referred to as “aerobraking,” which involves the use of air as a brake.
Consider the X-37B as a rock that is skimming across water, except that it will be meticulously regulated as it traverses the upper reaches of the atmosphere. In this manner, it can alter its orbit while saving fuel.
This will be the first try by Boeing, the United States Space Force, and the X-37B to execute this innovative demonstration.
As per Michelle Parker, vice president of Boeing’s Space Mission Systems, the success of future missions is contingent upon the trial of technologies in the vast and unforgiving environment of space. The X-37B is the only space platform that is as capable, flexible, and maneuverable as it is, and its upcoming demonstration will serve as further evidence that this test vehicle is defining the tempo of innovation, he added.
During the demonstration, the program will build on six successful missions of the X-37B operating securely around the Earth.
Boeing is utilizing all of its experience from prior space programs (such as the Space Shuttle) to ensure that it operates safely. The Space Force views this as a vital step in the process of improving its ability to operate in space.
According to Boeing, the X-37B is one of the world’s most advanced re-entry spacecraft. It is designed to operate in low-earth orbit, approximately 150 to 500 miles above the Earth’s surface. The craft is the first since the Space Shuttle to be capable of returning completed experiments to Earth for further evaluation and analysis.
The X-37B spaceplane is somewhat identical to NASA’s defunct Space Shuttle but significantly smaller. The X-37B is 8.8 meters in length, 4.6 meters in wingspan, and 2.9 meters in height. The spaceplane’s overall launch weight is 4990 kg. The device functions at altitudes ranging from 240 to 805 kilometers. The aircraft enters the atmosphere and lands on the runway automatically.
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