X-37B prepares for new aerobraking maneuvers with minimal fuel use

The Boeing-built X-37B spaceplane is set to undertake a series of advanced aerobraking maneuvers. This initiative will transition the spacecraft from its current Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO), where it has been operating since December 2023, to a lower altitude using minimal fuel.

This maneuver marks the first collaboration between Boeing, the United States Space Force (USSF), and the X-37B for such a demonstration. Michelle Parker, vice president of Boeing’s Space Mission Systems, emphasized the importance of testing technologies in space: “Space is a vast and unforgiving environment where testing technologies is critical to the success of future endeavors.”

The aerobraking process involves utilizing Earth's atmospheric drag to decelerate the vehicle, thus altering its orbit with minimal fuel consumption. The disposal of the Service Module will adhere to established standards for mitigating space debris. The orbit change will be conducted safely and responsibly, after which the X-37B will continue its test and experimentation objectives.