China accelerates space race with launch of Shenlong Spacecraft
As reported by Space.com, drawing on information from the Chinese news agency Xinhua, Beijing has once again catapulted its enigmatic spacecraft into orbit. The launch happened on Thursday, December 14, aboard the Long March 2F rocket. As per Xinhua, the mission is set to "carry out verification of reusable technology and space science experiments to provide technical support for the peaceful use of outer space."
China amplifies its presence in space
The previous missions by China were launched in 2020 and 2022, with the latter enduring 276 days. According to Space News, the reduced time between the second and third launches could suggest that the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) has accelerated the development of the spacecraft's reusable capabilities. The spacecraft, known as Shenlong, or "Divine Dragon," seemingly exemplifies this advancement.
Fascinatingly, the launch of the Chinese aircraft culminated just as the Americans planned to send their X-37B shuttle into orbit for the seventh time. However, their plans were delayed repeatedly. Chance Saltzman, the head of space operations for the United States Space Force, conjectures that this timing is far from incidental. Speaking at a conference hosted by the American Spacepower Association, he proposed that China is likely aiming to rival the United States in the sphere of deploying objects into orbit and analysing data captured in the process.
The Chinese spacecraft, akin to the American X-37B, remains largely cloaked in mystery, with only scant knowledge about its capabilities. Western experts surmise that it could be analogous to the US aircraft, which measures close to 30 feet in length, around 10 feet in height, and possesses a wingspan of 15 feet. Weighing in at approximately 5 tons, the aircraft can operate at altitudes ranging from 108 to 499 miles and is solar-powered. Officially, the US Air Force states that its dual objectives entail development of reusable spacecraft technology for America's future in space and conducting experiments that can be retrieved and analyzed on Earth.
