China has fueled global interest with a spaceplane (Shenlong) for the second time by launching an unknown object into space. This which has been carried out secretly has gained attention of space lovers and international onlookers due to the fact that it clearly raises concerns for future objective of China space programs.
A New Mystery Object
Recently, the US Space Force listed a new object, identified as 59884 (2023-195G), which was released from China’s ‘secret’ spaceplane on May 24, 2024. This object is a part of the series of cryptic drops that together constitute the seventh instance of the kind within the past half a year. The spaceplane, named Shenlong, has been in orbit after it was sent into space by a Long March 2F carrier rocket on December 14, 2023.
🇨🇳 China’s mysterious space plane releases object 600km above Earth
— AUC3I (@AUC31) June 9, 2024
After nearly six months in a low-Earth orbit, China’s mysterious experimental reusable spacecraft Shenlong appears to have released an object 600km above the ground.
However it still does not seem that the… pic.twitter.com/NaRJWYjp7r
The Shenlong Spaceplane
Shenlong or literally called ‘Divine Dragon’ is China’s Reusable Experimental Spaceplane. However, little is known to the public about them and as a result they have been matched to the US Air Force X-37B spaceplane because of their functions. It was first launched into space in 2020 and was in space relatively for only two days. Its second mission took 276 days and the current mission is well over 165.
Speculations and Observations
Jonathan McDowell an astronomer at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics was among the earliest people to point to the recent deployment. He thought that it may a subsatellite or a part that has been ejected prior to the actual return of the spaceplane. This was the same, as it was in previous missions, where Shenlong deployed objects for proximity and recapture, tests.
Read More | Oleg Kononenko’s Staggering 1,000-Day Space Odyssey
Tracking and Monitoring
Since its initial launch, the US Space Force has been carefully monitoring the spacecraft. Other enthusiasts of space such as Scott Tilley, an amateur astronomer, also reported the spaceplane’s movements. Tilley explained that previous objects thrown by Shenlong radiated signals towards the ground stations or ships nearby. These signals, however, have mostly been what has been referred to as “mark-and-fill” signals, which do not give much information about their actual usage.
China’s Secrecy
China has kept the missions regarding Shenlong classified and very little is known about the aircraft. Even official statements are scarce and they have only pointed out that the spacecraft was a peaceful and scientific one. Shenlong is to test reusable space technologies and perform various space science experiments as stated in Xinhua News, China’s state-run news agency. However, the absence of clear information has provoked numerous rumors about possible uses in military operations.
Global Reactions and Implications
Most countries are keenly observing it’s activities. Shenlong and the US X-37B are quite alike and they have large strategic objectives, such as reconnaissance and deployment of satellites.
Technological Advancements
Great achievements have been made by China in the field of Space planes. Shenlong is one of the components that contribute to the development of hypersonic engines and other related solutions. These events prove that China is a giant in creating reusable spacecraft, which reduces the costs and frequency of missions.
The Future of Shenlong
Thus while Shenlong continues with its mission, the people are waiting to see what other things it will accomplish. It will be a high-stake event people watch until it returns to earth. The secrecy makes it more interesting and the world is left wondering what China’s long-term vision is in space exploration.
Read More | Boeing Starliner Lifts Off! Butch and Suni’s Historic Journey Begins
