A drawing in the "Space/Aeronautics" magazine from before the project's cancellation depicts the craft skimming the surface of the atmosphere to change its orbital inclination. It would then fire its rocket to resume orbit. This would be a unique ability for a spacecraft, as the laws of celestial mechanics mean it requires an enormous expenditure of energy to change an orbital inclination once established. The Dyna-Soar was projected to be able to use this capability to rendezvous with satellites even if the target conducted evasive maneuvers. Acceleration forces on the pilot would be severe in such a maneuver.