The X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV) has become a focal point of intrigue and speculation since its inaugural flight in 2011. Developed by Boeing and now operated under the stewardship of the United States Space Force (USSF), this advanced spaceplane is engineered for missions in Low-Earth Orbit (LEO), ranging from 240 to 800 kilometers above the Earth’s surface. The X-37B is not merely a technological marvel but a harbinger of future developments in reusable spacecraft, designed to test and validate technologies that could aid in long-term objectives of space exploration and national security.
Recently, on December 29th, 2023, the X-37B embarked on its seventh mission, known as OTV-7. Among its various objectives, this mission notably aims to investigate the impacts of space radiation and to evaluate Space Domain Awareness (SDA) technologies. The operation is characterized by a series of innovative maneuvers that will see the spacecraft dipping into Earth’s upper atmosphere. This maneuver, known as “aerobraking,” will allow the X-37B to reduce its speed and alter its orbit without significant fuel expenditure. The significance of this capability cannot be understated, as it represents the first time the vehicle will undertake such an operation.
The concept of aerobraking is not entirely novel; its principles have been successfully employed in previous missions, such as those involving Mars orbiters. These missions utilized solar panels and other spacecraft surfaces to adjust orbits gradually. However, the adaptation of this technique to the X-37B marks a significant evolution in spacecraft operation. By brushing against the upper atmosphere, the vehicle can execute stealthy maneuvers that could potentially thwart tracking attempts by adversarial forces on Earth. This creates a tactical advantage, permitting unobserved low passes over targeted areas.
As highlighted by officials from the USSF, the implementation of aerobraking techniques draws on decades of mission experience dating back to Mars explorations. The insights gained from missions such as the Mars Global Surveyor and more contemporary spacecraft have laid the groundwork for the X-37B’s operational strategy. Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall emphasized the importance of these maneuvers, underscoring the commitment of the Space Force to innovate groundbreaking methods that serve national security interests.
Despite its numerous missions, the exact capabilities and objectives of the X-37B have remained largely under wraps. Former Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson has previously pointed out that the craft’s ability to change its orbit unpredictably poses a significant challenge for adversaries. The vehicle can maneuver in an “egg-shaped” orbit, complicating tracking efforts and enhancing operational security. This unpredictability forces opponents to continuously search for the spacecraft, which can provide a tactical edge for the USSF.
Upon completion of the aerobraking maneuver and subsequent testing phases, the X-37B will return to Earth, much like its six predecessors. The mission objectives during OTV-7 include not only the innovative maneuvers but also an insightful experiment with plant seeds—dubbed the “Seeds-2” experiment—crafted with collaboration from NASA. This aims to study the effects of space radiation on biological organisms, which is crucial for future human spaceflight missions. Additionally, components of the spacecraft will be ejected as part of established space debris mitigation protocols.
The X-37B’s trajectory, characterized by its unique blend of innovation and stealth, embodies the future of space exploration and strategic military capabilities. Each mission continues to build upon the lessons learned from previous operations, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in space. As the USSF endeavors to enhance its proficiency in this challenging domain, the X-37B stands at the forefront, a symbol of cutting-edge technology and a testament to human ingenuity. With its ongoing missions, the X-37B not only serves national security interests but also explores the broader implications of human presence in space, paving the way for the next waves of exploration.
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