During the “aerobraking”, the Boeing-made vehicle will use the drag of Earth’s atmosphere to slow it down, reducing its energy while only expending minimal fuel. It will then jettison its service module component before resuming its normal testing.
Qantas and Jetstar had both adjusted flight paths over the Tasman Sea in response to the drills, with the Sydney Morning Herald reporting that Virgin and Emirates flights were also warned.
Four Apaches are undergoing structural, electrical wiring, major sub-assembly and mechanical installation in final assembly and production at the Boeing facility in Mesa, Arizona.
During the “aerobraking”, the Boeing-made vehicle will use the drag of Earth’s atmosphere to slow it down, reducing its energy while only expending minimal fuel. It will then jettison its service module component before resuming its normal testing.