The United States Space Force’s secretive X-37B spaceplane has once again made history with its latest mission, demonstrating advanced orbital maneuvering techniques that could redefine military operations in space. After spending over a year in orbit, the autonomous spacecraft successfully landed at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, on Runway 12 at 11:22 pm local time Thursday (2:22 am EST Friday). This mission, the seventh in the X-37B’s history, introduced significant advancements, including aerobraking maneuvers that could shape future space warfare strategies.
Classified Yet Visible: X-37B’s Mission Details
While the Space Force has kept details of the X-37B program largely under wraps, amateur astronomers and analysts have pieced together critical insights. The spaceplane was launched on December 28, 2023, aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, marking the first time the X-37B was sent beyond low-Earth orbit (LEO). Previous missions utilized smaller launch vehicles that restricted operations to LEO, but this time, the spacecraft entered an elliptical orbit ranging between 201 and 24,133 miles (323 to 38,838 kilometers) in altitude, with an inclination of approximately 59 degrees to the equator.
Aerobraking: A Game-Changer in Space Maneuvering
One of the mission’s most notable achievements was the use of aerobraking, a technique that gradually reduces a spacecraft’s velocity by leveraging atmospheric drag. This method, commonly used by NASA for planetary orbit adjustments around Mars, was employed for the first time by the Space Force on an X-37B mission. By dipping into the upper atmosphere at each perigee (closest point in orbit), the spacecraft effectively altered its trajectory without expending excessive fuel.
According to General Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations, “Mission 7 broke new ground by showcasing the X-37B’s ability to flexibly accomplish its test and experimentation objectives across orbital regimes. The successful execution of the aerobraking maneuver underscores the US Space Force’s commitment to pushing the bounds of novel space operations in a safe and responsible manner.”
Enhancing Space Domain Awareness and Military Capabilities
The X-37B program plays a crucial role in advancing space domain awareness, a concept vital for military preparedness in orbit. The latest mission tested new space surveillance technologies aimed at enhancing the Space Force’s ability to monitor, track, and respond to objects in space. With space becoming an increasingly contested domain, these capabilities could provide a significant strategic advantage.
General Stephen Whiting, head of US Space Command, emphasized the significance of maneuverability in future military operations. “An irony of the space domain is that everything in our area of responsibility is in motion, but rarely do we use maneuver as a way to gain positional advantage. We believe that given the threats we now see in novel orbits and the Chinese advancements in on-orbit refueling, we need some kind of sustained space maneuver.”
Future Applications: From Orbital Refueling to Dynamic Space Operations
The X-37B’s ability to perform complex maneuvers without relying solely on traditional propulsion systems could have profound implications for future space missions. By reducing dependency on onboard fuel, aerobraking and other techniques could extend the lifespan of satellites, facilitate more dynamic space operations, and enable sustained maneuverability in contested environments.
One key area of interest is orbital refueling, which would allow spacecraft and satellites to remain operational for extended periods without needing replacement. Additionally, solar-electric propulsion, combined with aerobraking, could offer more efficient ways to transition between different orbits.
Space Command envisions a future where maneuver warfare in space becomes as integral as it is in land, air, and naval operations. By incorporating sustained maneuvering capabilities, the US military could gain an edge in monitoring and countering adversarial activities in orbit.
What’s Next for the X-37B Program?
The Space Force has not announced specific details regarding the next X-37B mission, but based on past trends, the next flight could launch within a year. The refurbishment of spaceplanes typically takes place at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, where Boeing and the Space Force prepare them for redeployment.
With the X-37B demonstrating its potential as a testbed for future military space strategies, we may see even more ambitious missions in the coming years. Whether it involves deploying advanced surveillance payloads, testing new propulsion methods, or further refining aerobraking techniques, the X-37B is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of space operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the X-37B spaceplane?
The X-37B is an autonomous, reusable spaceplane developed by Boeing for the US Space Force. It conducts classified missions, testing new space technologies and enhancing military capabilities in orbit.
What makes the X-37B’s latest mission significant?
Mission 7 marked the first time the Space Force publicly acknowledged using aerobraking maneuvers to alter a spacecraft’s orbit. It also demonstrated operations beyond low-Earth orbit, setting the stage for advanced space maneuverability.Why is aerobraking important?
Aerobraking allows spacecraft to adjust their orbits using atmospheric drag instead of relying solely on fuel. This method enhances efficiency, reduces costs, and enables sustained maneuverability for long-duration missions.
What are the implications of maneuver warfare in space?
Maneuver warfare in space refers to the ability to dynamically reposition satellites and spacecraft to gain a tactical advantage. This capability is essential for space surveillance, defense, and maintaining superiority in contested orbits.
When will the next X-37B mission launch?
While no official timeline has been provided, past missions suggest the next flight could occur within a year of the latest landing.
How does the X-37B compare to past space shuttles?
The X-37B is smaller than NASA’s retired Space Shuttle, measuring about 29 feet (9 meters) in length. Unlike the Shuttle, it is fully autonomous, designed for long-duration missions, and primarily used for military and technological experiments.
Conclusion
The return of the X-37B from its latest mission signals a new era in military space operations. By proving the viability of aerobraking and other advanced maneuvers, the Space Force is laying the groundwork for sustained space maneuverability—an essential component of future warfare strategies. As the geopolitical landscape evolves and space becomes an increasingly contested domain, innovations like those tested aboard the X-37B will be crucial for maintaining superiority in orbit.
With each mission, the X-37B continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in space operations. Whether through aerobraking, orbital refueling, or new forms of propulsion, the lessons learned from this experimental spaceplane will shape the future of military and commercial spaceflight for years to come.
