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.
Speaking to media in Hobart, the minister said the government has been “working pretty closely” with administrator EY Australia, and remains ready to step in and potentially buy Rex to preserve its vital services if EY cannot make a commercial sale.
As part of the ADF’s Operation Solania, the aircraft flew sorties out of Suva and monitored the country’s exclusive economic zone.