China Launches Mysterious Shenlong Space Plane
China has launched its mysterious Shenlong robotic space plane on its fourth mission. The objectives of the uncrewed, reusable spacecraft remain largely undisclosed, sparking speculation about its military and scientific capabilities. The launch marks another step in the advancement of China's aerospace and space technology programs.
- The Shenlong, which means "Divine Dragon," has had three prior missions with significantly varying durations: its first flight in September 2020 lasted two days, the second concluding in May 2023 lasted 276 days, and the third ending in September 2024 lasted 266 days. - On each of its previous missions, the Shenlong has been observed releasing at least one object into orbit, with the U.S. military and amateur space trackers monitoring these activities. - While China states the spacecraft is for testing reusable technologies for peaceful space use, its secretive nature and the deployment of other objects have led to speculation about its potential military applications, including reconnaissance or anti-satellite capabilities. - Development and testing of the Shenlong, or a prototype, dates back to at least 2007 with aerodynamic tests, and it reportedly made its first sub-orbital flight in early 2011. - The Shenlong is widely considered to be China's counterpart to the U.S. Space Force's Boeing X-37B, an uncrewed and reusable spaceplane that also undertakes long-duration, classified missions. - The spacecraft is launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in the Gobi Desert, utilizing a Long March-2F rocket.
