X-37B Successfully Executes Novel Aerobraking Maneuver

The U.S. military's X-37B space plane, developed by Boeing, has successfully executed a novel aerobraking maneuver on its seventh mission since launching in December 2023. This technique uses atmospheric friction to lower its orbit, significantly conserving fuel, which extends the spacecraft's operational duration. The X-37B, an uncrewed vehicle resembling a miniature space shuttle, is designed for highly classified missions involving experimental research and space debris disposal. Despite a new level of transparency with the release of a Boeing video detailing these maneuvers, much about the X-37B's objectives remains undisclosed. The aerobraking maneuver, praised by military officials as groundbreaking, aligns the spacecraft for the safe disposal of components in orbit. This mission marks an advancement in space capabilities, demonstrating a method that could revolutionize spacecraft fuel efficiency and longevity.