iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Boeing’s X-37B didn’t stop in orbit like a car hitting its brakes. During its seventh mission, the reusable spaceplane repeatedly skimmed the thin upper atmosphere, letting drag slow it and lower its orbit while using minimal fuel. The U.S. Space Force later confirmed that the aerobraking maneuver was completed and that the vehicle moved into low Earth orbit before landing.
How the X-37B braked in orbit
OTV-7 used aerobraking: a series of controlled passes through the very thin upper atmosphere. As the atmosphere dragged on the spacecraft, it lost speed and orbital energy. That changed its orbit and lowered its farthest point from Earth, known as apogee. The technique uses atmospheric drag for part of the orbital change instead of relying on a large rocket burn.
Boeing described the maneuver as using Earth’s atmospheric drag to slow the vehicle, reduce its energy and change its orbit while expending minimal fuel. The Space Force’s completed-mission description likewise says aerobraking uses drag over multiple passes to change orbits with minimal fuel. “Minimal” does not mean no fuel, and the public descriptions do not say that the spacecraft’s engines were entirely off throughout the maneuver.
Why change orbit this way?
Aerobraking let OTV-7 transition from a highly elliptical orbit to low Earth orbit while conserving propellant. The Space Force described the demonstration as showing the X-37B could carry out test and experimentation objectives across different orbital regimes. Public statements do not identify a more specific operational reason for the orbit change, so the maneuver alone does not establish what the classified payloads were doing or what targets, if any, they observed.
#1 Best Overall
- Scale: 1/72
- Ages: 14+
- Academy P/N: 12461
| Approach | How the orbit changes | Propellant | What is established for OTV-7 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerobraking | Repeated, controlled passes through the upper atmosphere create drag and reduce orbital energy. | Uses minimal fuel, according to Boeing and the Space Force; not stated to be zero. | Completed during OTV-7; the vehicle then aerobraked into low Earth orbit. |
| Rocket burn | Thrust from an engine changes the spacecraft’s orbit. | Requires propellant for the burn; no OTV-7 comparison quantity is stated. | The public mission descriptions do not provide a direct burn-versus-aerobraking performance comparison. |
Aerobraking is not a claim that the vehicle can safely dip into the atmosphere without limits. The public descriptions establish repeated controlled passes and the resulting orbit change, but do not disclose OTV-7’s pass profile, thermal limits, guidance parameters or fuel savings. Those details should not be inferred from the demonstration alone.
What OTV-7 did and how long it stayed in space
OTV-7 launched in December 2023 aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy into a highly elliptical orbit. After more than 434 days on orbit, it landed autonomously at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on March 7, 2025, at 2:22 a.m. EST, according to the U.S. Space Force.
Rank #2
- Fully engraved panel lines and rivet details
- Highly detailed cockpit interior
- Highly detailed landing gear bay
- Various under-wing weaponry
- Modeler can finish as USAF or ROKAF aircraft
What the Space Force said it tested
The public mission description names experiments on radiation effects and tests of space-domain-awareness technology. The Space Force said the experiments were intended to improve knowledge of an increasingly congested and contested space environment. The exact payload mix and many operating details remain classified.
Recommended Free Tools
What is known about the vehicle
The Associated Press described the Boeing-made X-37B as reusable and about 29 feet (9 meters) long, with an almost 15-foot (4.5-meter) wingspan. The Space Force said the vehicle completed its aerobraking demonstration before returning to low Earth orbit and landing.
Rank #3
- Supermarine Spitfire MkVc: One of the most famous aircraft ever to take to the skies and one which is as familiar today as it was during the savage dogfights of the Battle of Britain, the Supermarine Spitfire was designed as a short range, high performance interceptor, taking inspiration from the inter-war seaplanes which had competed for the Schneider Trophy
- Aircraft Model Kits: There are a whole range of Airfix models to discover and build! With various sizes of scale models spanning across decades of military history, from WW2 model kits right through to modern commercial airplane model kits, there's model air plane kits and other military gifts for everyone at Airfix
- Military Model Kits: Whether you’re looking for an Airfix starter set gift idea or wanting to advance to the next level, these small to large real airplane models for adults to build offer more to advanced modellers. Each model plane kit comes with paints, brushes and glue ready for you to bring your model machine to life
- About this Model: Skill Level 1 (where 1 is for the beginner and 4 is for the more experienced modeller) - Ideal older kids and adult model kits for those with some experience in model building. This set has 26 Parts Total. This set includes: 1:72 Scale Model, 4x Humbrol Acrylic Paints, 1x Paint Brush, 1x Poly Cement, Sprues and Decals
- About Us: Airfix is the UK's oldest plastic model kit manufacturer since 1952, offers a diverse range of iconic model planes, plastic figures, buildings, diorama kits, historical ships, vehicles, and innovative Quickbuild models for beginners. From military gifts and WWII model airplanes to more modern vehicles, there's model building kits for every occasion
Why the maneuver matters—and what it does not prove
- Orbital flexibility: The demonstration showed that the X-37B could use atmospheric drag to move between orbital regimes while expending minimal fuel, according to Boeing and the Space Force.
- Reusable operations: Aerobraking added a new kind of orbital maneuver to the public account of the reusable vehicle’s test mission; it does not, by itself, reveal the purpose of classified payloads.
- Debris management: Boeing said disposal of OTV-7’s detachable service module would follow established space-debris-mitigation standards. The public statement does not provide further disposal details.
- Operational learning: The Space Force said the mission’s experiments would improve understanding of the orbital environment, including conditions in a congested and contested space domain.
What was planned for the next mission
In an announcement dated July 28, 2025, Boeing described OTV-8 as planned to launch no earlier than August 21, 2025. The announcement listed a service module, high-bandwidth inter-satellite laser-communications demonstrations and a quantum inertial sensor for navigation when GPS is unavailable. That announcement describes plans, not results; it does not establish how OTV-8 ultimately performed.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- HISTORIC D-DAY DECALS: Build a faithful 1:48 scale model replica of the iconic WWII C-47 Skytrain military transport plane. Every model kit includes a full-color decal sheet to accurately model the famous "That's All Brother" lead aircraft—complete with its distinctive black-and-white invasion stripes—or the alternative "Night Fright" livery.
- INTRICATE COCKPIT & CABIN DETAIL: Immerse yourself in a highly detailed interior layout engineered for history enthusiasts. The multi-room interior assembly features a full cockpit layout, authentic troop benches, a rear washroom compartment, and a specialized navigator's desk.
- 12 SCALE MILITARY FIGURES: Bring your static wartime aviation diorama to life with twelve finely sculpted plastic scale figures included inside the box of the model building kit. The set comes equipped with three distinct flight crew members and nine fully detailed paratrooper figures ready for deployment layouts.
- CUSTOMIZABLE CARGO DOORS: Tailor your final military display layout by customizing the fuselage entryways. The rear cargo doors are engineered to be structurally fixed in either a wide-open position or a completely closed position to suit your preference.
- SKILL LEVEL 4 SPECIFICATIONS: Designed for experienced scale modelers ages 12 and up, this 102-part hobby set yields a commanding display piece measuring 16.0 inches long with an impressive 23.625-inch wingspan. Parts come molded in olive drab and clear; plastic model cement and paint are required for completion and sold separately.
Rank #4
- 【FUN TO ASSEMBLE & CHALLENGING】- 3D metal puzzles are suitable for teenagers and adults aged 16+. Making a metal model kit is challenging and may take over 8 hours, depending on your speed and patience. After hours dedicated working and completed your own amazing handcraft, you will get a strong sense of accomplishment and stress relief.
- 【EXQUISITE HOME DECORATION】- The metal craft kit is not only functional and interesting, but also beautifully designed! Great Gifts for Thanksgiving Day, Birthday, Christmas Day, Father's Day, Back to School Day. A truly unique metal handicrafts piece on your desks, bookshelves or nightstand.
- 【FAMILY TIME】- Thrill the entire family and provide fun and entertainment piecing this DIY metal puzzle model kit together. Building this 3-D Puzzle models can be worthy for the family to complete together. Believe us, this is an unforgettable family time, and it will inspire and promote your ability to plan and build structure like a real architect or engineer.
- 【DETAILED INSTRUCTION】- Our 3D metal models are made of superior stainless steel and all metal parts would be easily clipped, no glue or solder need during assembly. Also the modle kit comes with very detailed instruction. Follow the steps shown in the instructions and you will build the metal art craft set correctly.
- 【DIY TOOL KITS REQUIRED】- Assembling tools are recommended, but not included. Parts can be easily cut off the sheets. Clipper and needle nose pliers are the recommended tool for bending and twisting the connecting tabs.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
