The U.S. military’s secretive X-37B spaceplane is performing a groundbreaking orbital maneuver called aerobraking. The process uses atmospheric drag instead of fuel to gradually lower its orbit—a technique that could significantly extend mission durations and reduce operational costs.

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Secret US military space plane works on maneuvers while on orbital mission

9 hrs ago 2:01

U.S. military's X-37B spaceplane performs historic aerobraking maneuver, using atmospheric drag to lower orbit, saving fuel and more.

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