Official announcements from US Space Force or credible space news outlets

US Space Force Announces X-37B Aerobraking, Novel Space Maneuvers

Oct 10, 2024, 06:01 PM

The US Space Force has announced that the X-37B spaceplane will execute aerobraking maneuvers for the first time. This maneuver will enable the spacecraft to change its orbit and safely dispose of its service module components, adhering to recognized standards for space debris mitigation. The announcement highlights the high maneuverability of the X-37B and addresses long-standing questions about its capabilities. It is rare for the Space Force to update the public on X-37B activities, making this release particularly noteworthy. The X-37B is slated for novel space maneuvers.