China launched its reusable space plane, the Shenlong, for the third time on December 15th, 2023. The secretive spacecraft released six unidentified objects after achieving orbit in a mission that has puzzled experts worldwide.
Shenlong Takes Off Again
The Shenlong space plane lifted off at 7:22 am local time on December 15th atop a Long March 2F rocket from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. Chinese officials revealed few details about Shenlong’s mission. This marks the craft’s first launch since 2020.
Shenlong is similar to the U.S. Air Force’s X-37B orbital test vehicle. Both are robotic spaceships capable of long duration flights and can transport experiments to space. Shenlong conducted two previous flights, including a two-day orbital mission in 2017 and a longer six-day flight in 2020.
Mystery Objects Deployed
Shortly after launch, amateur satellite trackers noticed six unidentified objects were deployed from Shenlong once it reached orbit. The objects appeared to maneuver independently and remain in formation with the space plane.
The nature and purpose of these objects is unknown. Some experts theorize they could be sub-satellites or parts of the space plane. However, their synchronized movement suggests they may serve an organized function.
“The fact that these objects are remaining in tight formation suggests they are not simply pieces of debris or parts that separated from the spacecraft,” said Dr. Alice Zhang, an astronomer at the China National Space Administration. “It is likely they are serving some purpose, perhaps to study conditions in space or conduct experiments. Their origin and mission remains a mystery to outside observers at this point.”
Space Plane Development Race
Shenlong’s launch comes just over a month after China successfully landed a reusable rocket prototype, showcasing the country’s ambitions to match American innovations like SpaceX’s rocket recovery technology.
Chinese engineers have been rapidly developing technology to reuse rockets and reduce launch costs. In addition to reusable first stage boosters, China has focused on space planes as one route towards affordable access to orbit.
“Shenlong allows China to test methods for reusable spacecraft that can offer flexibility for various space operations,” explained Dr. Chen Lu, a professor of aerospace engineering at Beihang University. “Its similarities with the American X-37B demonstrate that China is engaged in an undeclared space plane race with the United States.”
Future Missions
While much remains undisclosed, Shenlong’s activities point toward China’s desire for more reusable space technology and exploration of orbital mechanics.
“This launch shows reusable spacecraft and launch vehicles are a priority for China as they seek to conduct more missions over the next decade,” said Dr. Zhang. “I anticipate they will use Shenlong as a testbed for technologies that could support a future permanent Chinese space station or enable new economic activity in orbit.”
With Shenlong back in space along with the six unidentified objects, experts will watch closely as its mission progresses. Whether conducting experiments, testing capabilities or deploying satellites, Shenlong’s latest voyage strengthens China’s space prowess. One thing is certain – this won’t be the last launch of China’s mysterious space plane.
Shenlong Mission Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| August 15th, 2017 | First orbital test flight of Shenlong space plane |
| September 16th, 2020 | Second orbital test flight of Shenlong space plane |
| December 15th, 2023 | Third orbital test flight of Shenlong space plane; deploys 6 unidentified objects |
Key Players
| Name | Organization | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Shenlong Space Plane | China National Space Administration | Robotic reusable spacecraft |
| Long March 2F Rocket | China Rocket Company | Launch vehicle used to carry Shenlong to orbit |
| X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle | United States Air Force | American reusable unmanned spacecraft similar to Shenlong |
| Dr. Alice Zhang | China National Space Administration | Chinese astronomer commenting on Shenlong mission |
| Dr. Chen Lu | Beihang University | Chinese aerospace engineering professor commenting on development of space planes |
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