Science
China's secret space plane has released another unknown object over Earth
At around 3 p.m. ET on May 24, China's mysterious Shenlong space plane released an unidentified flying object 372 miles (600 kilometers) above Earth's surface. Experts outside China don't know exactly what the object is, but they believe it may be a small satellite or a piece of hardware ejected before the craft is scheduled to deorbit.
The U.S. Space Force has been tracking the space plane since it launched aboard a Long March 2F rocket from Jiuquan Launch Center on Dec. 14. Little is known about the craft, although it appears to be similar to the clandestine Boeing X-37B space plane developed by the U.S., which is capable of making years-long excursions into orbit. China's secret space plane first launched in 2020 and remained in orbit for just two days. However, it stayed aloft for 276 days during its second voyage, which began in late 2022.
Shenlong (which means "Divine Dragon") deployed six smaller objects shortly after launch last year; each appeared to be emitting some kind of signal. So far, Chinese officials have remained secretive about the plane and its activities, and have not addressed the nature of the mystery objects or even acknowledged them.
Related stories: China has launched a secret robot to the far side of the moon, new Chang'e 6 photos reveal
Meanwhile, the U.S. Military's X-37B space plane is also in Earth's orbit. The craft launched on Dec. 28 on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. The fact that the two missions are operating simultaneously is "probably no coincidence," Space Force Chief of Space Operations B. Chance Saltzman told Air & Space Forces magazine.
—Scientists discover huge, heat-emitting blob on the far side of the moon
—Russia and China announce plan to build shared nuclear reactor on the moon by 2035, 'without humans'
—Missions to the moon, Mars, Jupiter and more: These are the coolest space missions in 2024
Perhaps unsurprisingly, China's state-run media outlets have not indicated any military applications for the space plane. "After operating in orbit for a period of time, the experimental spacecraft will return to the designated landing site in China," Xinhua reported, according to Gizmodo. "During this period, it will carry out reusable technology verification and space science experiments as planned, providing technical support of the peaceful use of space."
Reusable space planes have many potential commercial and scientific applications, including carrying passengers and launching satellites more efficiently. Nevertheless, the Space Force will continue to monitor the Shenlong mission until it returns to Earth.
-
Science1w ago
You Won’t Want to Miss October’s Rare Comet Sighting. Here’s How and When You Can See It
-
Science3w ago
A New Spacecraft Could Help Determine if There’s Life on a Moon of Jupiter
-
Science3w ago
We Can Thank Deep-Space Asteroids for Helping Start Life on Earth
-
Science3w ago
Stranded Astronauts Set to Come Home After SpaceX Capsule With Extra Seats Reaches ISS
-
Science3w ago
'Every volcano has its own personality': Mystery Mount Adams earthquake surge under investigation
-
Science3w ago
Earth's crust may be building mountains by dripping into the mantle
-
Science3w ago
How strong can hurricanes get?
-
Science4w ago
32 things on Mars that look like they shouldn't be there