Spaceplane performs novel aerobraking to mitigate orbital debris

SpaceNews reports on an announcement by the US Space Force that their X-37B spaceplane will perform a series of aerobraking maneuvers to adjust its orbit.

The aerobraking maneuvers will make use of drag from the Earth's atmosphere change the spacecraft's orbit using minimal fuel, and is a first for the spaceplane, which has previously conducted six successful missions.

The maneuvers will provide an opportunity for the spaceplane to jettison its service module, originally used to carry experimental payloads and scientific instruments, in a manner compliant with guidelines for mitigating orbital debris. 

Featured image: Artist rendering of the X-37B conducting an aerobraking maneuver using the drag of Earth’s atmosphere.
Credit: Boeing Space