The X-37B space aircraft returns after a 434-day mission, leads the space technique

A classified mission conducted by the US Army’s X-37B space aircraft, concluded after 434 days in class, with an autonomous vehicle returning to Earth on 7 March 2025. The spacecraft, which was launched on 29 December 2023 from the Wandenberg Space Force Base in California in a SpaceX Falcon Heavy Rocket, which was unknown inadvertently. Details about objectives and conclusions are classified, although the US space force has renewable spacecraft technology and progress in aerobreaking exercises.

Mission 7 and its objectives

According to an official statement by the US Space Force, Mission 7 focused on testing new orbital maneuver capabilities and conducting experiments related to space radiation risk and space domain awareness technology. The characteristics about the nature of these experiments have not been revealed. Principal General Chance Saltzmann, Head of Space Operations, said the mission demonstrated flexibility in achieving testing and experiment goals in various orbital regions.

Success in aerobracing techniques

According to reports, a major attraction of the mission was the execution of several aerobreaking exercises. This procedure, which involves using atmospheric drags to change height, allows for energy-skilled orbital adjustment. Traditional satellites rely on the thrusters for such changes, while the X-37B demonstrated a method that reduces fuel consumption by adjusting the angle of its nose to increase atmospheric resistance, gradually reduces its height on many orbital passes.

Re -projected spacecraft technology

Developed by Boeing, the X-37B initially had a NASA project before he moved to the US Army in 2004. The purpose of the program is to refine technology for capable space vehicles enabled in extended missions. With the longest 909 days, the longest lasting 909 days between May 2020 and November 2022, the period of previous missions varies. The spacecraft is designed vertically and traditionally designed to increase land, similar to an aircraft, cost efficiency and operational flexibility.