X-37B's OTV-7 mission uses aerobraking for first time, orbit alteration, fuel conservation, and debris mitigation.

The U.S. Space Force's X-37B spaceplane, launched in December 2023, will perform aerobraking maneuvers to alter its orbit and dispose of components safely. This mission, known as OTV-7, is the first to utilize aerobraking for the X-37B, enabling fuel conservation and compliance with debris mitigation rules. After completing its tests and experiments, the spaceplane will autonomously return to Earth. The mission's duration remains undisclosed.