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Space Force's mysterious X-37B begins 'aerobraking' to lower orbit. Here's how it works (video)
In a rare show of openness about the X-37B, Boeing Space released a video detailing how the space plane's aerobraking maneuvers help change its orbit.
This requires propellant, however, meaning each satellite can only perform a limited amount of burns before needing to be refueled or brought out of orbit. In the animation, the broader, flatter underside of the space plane glows orange from the heat generated as it encounters the drag (a type of friction) produced by Earth's atmosphere, which slows it down. Brett is curious about emerging aerospace technologies, alternative launch concepts, military space developments and uncrewed aircraft systems.
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