{"id":68355,"date":"2024-10-10T18:13:51","date_gmt":"2024-10-10T18:13:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/uncategorized\/2024\/10\/10\/secret-x-37b-spaceplane-maneuvers-could-impact-future-space-operations\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T01:14:05","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T01:14:05","slug":"secret-x-37b-spaceplane-maneuvers-could-impact-future-space-operations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/space\/2024\/10\/10\/secret-x-37b-spaceplane-maneuvers-could-impact-future-space-operations\/","title":{"rendered":"Secret X-37B spaceplane maneuvers could impact future space operations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Ten months into its latest and largely classified mission, the Space Force\u2019s X-37B spaceplane is embarking on a new set of maneuvers that could inform future space operations for the service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Boeing-built spacecraft has functioned as a testbed for Pentagon and NASA technologies since 2010. The spacecraft\u2019s current mission, OTV-7, began in December <\/a>with the goal of experimenting with future space domain awareness technologies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While many details of the mission are classified, the Space Force offered a rare glimpse into the X-37B\u2019s latest endeavor<\/a> in a press release Thursday, revealing that the spaceplane is preparing to conduct what\u2019s called an aerobraking maneuver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although it\u2019s a new move for the X-37B, aerobraking has been used by NASA and other space agencies for years. The technique involves a series of passes that rely on the drag of Earth\u2019s atmosphere. If successful, it will allow the X-37B to change orbits using minimal fuel.<\/p>\n\n\n\t