A US Space Force test plane is set to make history as it prepares to perform unprecedented manoeuvres that will see it brush the Earth’s atmosphere.
The X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle first went to space in 2011 and is a mysterious part of the USSF in terms of its purpose when in the service of the US Department of Defense.
The USSF’s X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle on a runway after a mission[/caption]
A depiction of a spacecraft orbiting the Earth[/caption]
It has previously been used to test the impact of solar radiation and is reported to be used for testing on military surveillance technology, per The New York Times.
The spacecraft can operate just 150 miles above the Earth in what is known as Low-Earth Orbit.
Now, US officials have announced that the remotely operated Boeing spacecraft will be making a series of test manoeuvres above Earth that will allow it to go undetected.
The spacecraft will take part in “novel manoeuvres” called aerobraking, according to the USSF.
During such an exercise, the craft will make several passes into the Earth’s atmosphere which causes drag to rapidly change the craft’s orbit.
In doing so, the spacecraft will expend minimal fuel and could make it temporarily invisible to other nations who could be tracking it.
This could be done “on the far side of the Earth from our adversaries” stopping them from accurately tracing the trajectory of the craft, Former United States Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson said in 2019 at the Aspen Security Forum.
“We know that that drives them nuts. And I’m really glad about that,” she added.
If successful, it will also mean that the X-37B can be brought in line with recognised standards for space debris mitigation.
This includes seeing all stored energy removed from the vehicle and discharging electrical components.
“Once the aerobrake manoeuvre is complete, the X-37B will resume its test and experimentation objectives until they are accomplished, at which time the vehicle will de-orbit and execute a safe return as it has during its six previous missions,” the USSF confirmed.
‘FIRST-OF-A-KIND’
Such groundbreaking tests have been praised by officials who hope it will mark a new innovative period in space technology.
“This novel and efficient series of manoeuvres demonstrates the Space Force’s commitment to achieving groundbreaking innovation as it conducts national security missions in space,” Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall said in a statement.
“This first-of-a-kind manoeuvre from the X-37B is an incredibly important milestone for the United States Space Force as we seek to expand our aptitude and ability to perform in this challenging domain, Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman added.
“The success is a testament to the dedication and perseverance of the team.”
Last year, Elon Musk‘s SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket lifted the X-37B into space as it embarked on its seventh mission.
This included “operating the reusable spaceplane in new orbital regimes,” the USSF stated.
The spacecraft is 29 feet long and 9.5 feet tall and is launched via rockets with the ability to remain in space for long periods.
In total, the X-3LB has spent over a decade in orbit over six missions.
By being able to land on a runway after each mission, the X-37B shuttle is reusable, making it ideal for testing.
The X-3LB on the runway after landing with USSF workers standing at the rear[/caption]
