China’s elusive space plane has completed its third mission, touching down at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on September 6, after spending over eight months in orbit. Launched atop a Long March 2F rocket on December 14, 2023, the spacecraft spent a total of 268 days in space, according to Chinese state media outlet Xinhua.
While the exact functions of the space plane are still largely undisclosed, Xinhua has suggested that the mission represents a step towards more cost-effective and convenient methods for space travel. The recent mission’s objectives, however, remain unclear, mirroring the secrecy surrounding its previous flights.
Observers noted that during this mission, the space plane appeared to release a small object into orbit. This object could either be a subsatellite or a piece of hardware ejected before the mission’s conclusion, similar to actions taken during previous flights, according to astronomer Jonathan McDowell of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.
Additionally, reports indicate that the spacecraft engaged in rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) with the object, a maneuver that involves meeting and approaching objects in space. Such capabilities are often used for satellite maintenance or repair, and there is speculation that these techniques may be refined for potential use in future orbital conflicts.
The details of the space plane’s capabilities and its specific mission objectives remain undisclosed by Chinese authorities, fueling speculation about the vehicle’s potential military and strategic applications. As China continues to develop its space technologies, the implications of this mission could have significant impacts on both space exploration and geopolitical dynamics.
