The X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV-7) will soon perform a series of innovative orbital changes known as aerobraking to adjust its path around Earth and properly remove its service module hardware in accordance with approved guidelines to reduce space debris. Since December 28, 2023, the U.S. Space Force, in partnership with the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, has conducted operational radiation studies in Highly Elliptical Orbit and tested Space Domain Awareness Systems.
The aerobraking maneuver – executed by making multiple passes through Earth’s upper atmosphere – allows the spacecraft to change orbit while conserving fuel. After completing this procedure, the X-37B will continue its experiments and mission tests until it reaches its targets, after which it will re-enter Earth’s atmosphere and land safely, as it has done on its six previous flights.
Innovation Through Aerobraking
“This innovative and efficient maneuver demonstrates the Space Force’s drive to achieve state-of-the-art advancements while conducting national security missions in orbit,” said Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall.
This is the first time the Space Force and the X-37B have performed this complex aerobraking procedure, building on knowledge gained from six previous safe missions with the vehicle and decades of scientific experience gained from lunar and Mars exploration.
Gen. Chance Saltzman, the chief of space operations, praised the achievement. “This revolutionary maneuver by the X-37B is a major step forward for the U.S. Space Force as we expand our expertise and capability to operate in these challenging environments. The results highlight the dedication and perseverance of the entire team.”
Since 2010, AFRCO has overseen the X-37B initiative, which focuses on advancing reusable space technologies for the United States Space Force.
The Space Force sent its secret X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle into orbit Thursday night, beginning the spacecraft’s eighth voyage.
For the mission, dubbed OTV-8, the Boeing-built space plane will conduct a variety of experiments focused on laser communications and quantum inertial sensing, according to officials.
Space Systems Command confirmed Thursday’s launch was successful.
“The U.S. Space Force’s National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program successfully launched a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket to conduct the historic USSF-36 mission on Aug. 21 from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida,” the command announced early Friday morning. “The X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV) launched at exactly 11:50 a.m. EST (8:50 p.m. PST).”
Boeing said in a statement Friday morning that “the vehicle remains healthy in orbit and is continuing standard checkout procedures.”
“Our job is to make this spacecraft as reliable a testbed as possible,” said Michelle Parker, vice president of Boeing Space Mission Systems. “Nothing happens without teamwork. Launch marks the starting line, but disciplined work in orbit, careful analysis and a safe return lead to true progress.”
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X-37B’s Role in Advancing Space Tech
Since its first flight in 2010, the X-37B has flown seven missions, each designed to advance technologies under development for both the Pentagon and NASA. The reusable platform can remain in space for years before returning to Earth for upgrades for new missions.
“Having a recovered spacecraft accelerates how quickly we learn,” said Col. Brian Chatman, commander of Space Launch Delta 45, in a statement from Boeing. “The data collected from the X-37B strengthens our designs, sharpens our defenses and helps our allies engage in competitive situations. This is how we rapidly transform promising concepts into operational capabilities.”
The Space Force confirmed that the Air Force Research Laboratory and the Defense Innovation Unit will conduct tests with NASA during the mission.
During its seventh mission, which launched in 2023 and completed earlier this year, the X-37B supported experiments in novel orbital regions, expanded space awareness and studied radiation effects in orbit.
Officials said the OTV-8 mission will evaluate “high-bandwidth inter-satellite laser communications” – a system that enables satellites to exchange data directly with each other or with ground stations, achieving faster transmission speeds than traditional radio-frequency methods.
Laser networking plays a central role in multiple Space Force projects, including the Space Development Agency’s large-scale constellation known as the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA).
In addition, the X-37B will test advanced PNT (positioning, navigation and timing) in GPS-denied regions by operating the most precise quantum inertial sensor ever flown in space, Boeing confirmed.
“Quantum inertial sensing provides resilient navigation when GPS is not available, whether in deep space operations or in unacceptable environments near Earth,” said Col. Ramsey Home, commander of Space Delta 9. “This success directly supports the Fifth Space Operations Squadron and the broader space force, ensuring freedom of movement and maneuver in any situation.”
X-37B Mission Overview
There are currently two active X-37B spacecraft in the fleet. The fourth mission of X-37B Vehicle 1 – known as OTV-8 or USSF-36 – launched on March 7, approximately five and a half months after X-37B Vehicle 2 completed its flight, landing on Runway 12 at Vandenberg Space Force Base.
X-37B 1
- OTV-1 April 22, 2010 – December 3, 2010 (224 days)
- OTV-3 December 11, 2012 – October 17, 2014 (675 days)
- OTV-6 May 17, 2020 – November 12, 2022 (909 days)
X-37B 2
- OTV-2 March 5, 2011 – June 16, 2012 (469 days)
- OTV-4 May 20, 2015 – May 7, 2017 (718 days)
- OTV-5 September 7, 2017 – October 27, 2019 (780 days)
“OTV-8 demonstrates how the X-37B continues to serve as the U.S. space “for emerging space technologies The force’s leading testbed, the Air Force “continues to expand its reach into space by advancing mission-driven innovation,” William Blauser, acting director of the Rapid Capabilities Office, said in a prelaunch briefing.
Much has been kept secret about the X-37B program, especially details of the onboard experiments. However, Space Force leaders have emphasized two key technology trials during the mission: laser-based communications and quantum navigation.
The laser communications system on OTV-8 will connect to what the USSF calls a “cluster of commercial satellites in low Earth orbit.” It’s not clear whether that includes the government-operated StarShield satellites from SpaceX, Starlink or other private networks.
The Space Force has noted that transmitting data via infrared light instead of traditional radio waves provides greater data throughput and stronger security protections.
“OTV-8’s laser communications test represents a major step toward building a resilient and flexible satellite data network,” said Gen. Chance Saltzman, head of space operations. “This effort will accelerate the speed, reliability, adaptability and resiliency of our space communications systems.”
Quantum Navigation Success
The spacecraft will also test a quantum inertial sensor that tracks atomic motion to measure both acceleration and rotation. The system is designed to support navigation without relying on GPS. Leaders want to better understand how spacecraft operate when GPS signals are disrupted or unavailable.
Officials explained that this technology could benefit U.S. missions operating in Earth orbit, sublunar space and deep space travel.
“OTV-8’s quantum navigation test is an important step toward safe space operations,” Space “Quantum inertial sensing provides a robust navigation solution for traversing cislunar space or operating where GPS cannot reach,” said Delta 9 commander Col. Ramsey Horn.
At this time, mission planners have not disclosed how long the X-37B will remain in low Earth orbit.
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The X-37B is a reusable space plane used by the U.S. Space Force to test new space technologies. Unlike regular satellites, it can stay in orbit for years, return to Earth, and be upgraded for new missions. Its main goal is to try out advanced systems like laser communication and quantum navigation, which could make future space missions faster and safer.
Aerobraking is a technique in which a spacecraft passes through Earth’s upper atmosphere to slow its orbit and conserve fuel. For the first time, the X-37B is using this method to safely remove some of its instruments and reduce space debris. This helps the spacecraft continue its mission efficiently without wasting energy.
The X-37B is testing high-speed laser communication, which sends data via light instead of radio waves. This allows satellites to transfer information faster, more securely, and with less interference. This technology is currently trending because it could power future internet networks, connect commercial satellites, and improve space defense communication systems.
Quantum navigation uses sensors that measure the tiny movements of atoms to track acceleration and rotation. This system allows spacecraft to find their way even when GPS signals are blocked or unavailable. It is a cutting-edge technology popular in space tech circles because it can help navigate in deep space, near the moon, or in areas where GPS does not reach.
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