China recently launched its clandestine reusable spacecraft for the third time in just over two years, demonstrating major headway in a secretive spaceplane initiative.
A Long March 2F rocket propelled the unspecified vehicle, officially labeled an “reusable experimental spacecraft,” into orbit from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on December 14. Amateur satellite trackers monitoring the flight detected multiple objects related to the mission, including the core spaceplane designated OBJECT A.
China divulged few specifics beyond the craft’s reusable aspect and intent to verify technologies to reduce space access costs. However, the frequent launch pace and activities in orbit indicate an active test regimen maturing systems potentially bound for operational roles.
Spacecraft Details Cloaked in Secrecy
Unlike imagery published of the U.S. Air Force’s X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV), no photographs have materialized displaying China’s equivalent spaceplane.
Based on the Long March 2F booster used, experts speculate it has a more compact configuration than the shuttle-derived X-37B. With no official disclosures, its design and capabilities stay a mystery.
The vehicle remains in orbit for months then glides back to Earth for a runway landing. While in space, it probably evaluates technologies like sensors, components, materials or software.
“The spacecraft’s main structure is reusable, and the experiment payload will be replaced as needed, so this spacecraft has a high degree of testability and long-term application value,” China stated about the vehicle in 2020.
Rapid Mission Cadence Hints at Test Regimen
The inaugural 2020 flight lasted around 2 days, suggesting either a brief checkout or short-duration exam. During its second flight in August 2022 the spaceplane remained in orbit over 9 months.
Satellite trackers spotted small satellites deploy from the vehicle across both missions. Such secondary payloads likely hosted distinct experiments or supported testing activities requiring supplemental capacity.
This third flight comes on the heels of China completing its Tiangong space station. Advancing technologies like this reusable testbed could assist future stations through initiatives such as autonomous rendezvous, docking and repair.
Spacecraft Development Heavily Cloaked
Unlike major space powers, China does not publish its space budget or future aspirations. Testing occurs in secrecy reminiscent of past initiatives around human spaceflight and anti-satellite capabilities.
Analysts suspect probable roles include evaluating intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance sensors and satellites. Post-flight inspection of returned payloads could accelerate their development.
The vehicles may also enable testing of experimental propulsion, power or communications gear. Their missions likely resemble X-37B flights focused on maturing systems to incorporate into future operational spacecraft.
Signaling Broader Space Ambitions
By conspicuously evolving reusable spaceplanes, China signals intent to match – or exceed – space capabilities currently dominated by the U.S. and Russia.
The recent launch follows China landing robotic probes on Mars and the Moon, sending multiple astronaut crews to its Tiangong space station, and other achievements – collectively underscoring the country’s objective to position itself as a space leader.
As the program persists, it remains to be seen whether China will divulge details on the technology or purpose behind the mysterious but steadily advancing testing regimen. Insights will likely continue originating from unofficial satellite trackers barring increased government transparency.
Regardless of the ultimate goals, China’s spaceplane serves as another element of the nation’s extensive space aspirations centered on attaining parity with – or surpassing – current U.S. space capabilities.
