China secretly from the whole world built a reusable spacecraft

Miscellaneous / by admin / May 13, 2023

China has once again proved its right to be in the club of space superpowers. As it turned out, Beijing has been developing its own reusable robotic aircraft for several years and has already achieved some success in this.

The craft, called Shenlong (Divine Dragon), recently completed its second test flight after spending 276 days in orbit. This was unexpectedly reported by the Xinhua news agency. Information confirmed China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC).

Image: China Aerospace Research Institute (CASI)

At the same time, details about the mission, the spacecraft and the operations that were carried out during the almost year-long experimental flight were not disclosed.

Previously, it was known about the Chinese device Chongfu Shiyong Shiyong Hangtian Qi (CSSHQ), which was tested in September 2020. Journalists believe that Shenlong is CSSHQ-2, the successful landing of which was reported.

American magazine SpaceNews analyzed all available information about this mission and summed up the work of CCSHQ.

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The spacecraft performed numerous orbital maneuvers during its flight, and adjustments have been made in recent weeks in preparation for its return. The landing likely took place at the Lop Nur military base in Xinjiang.

SpaceNews Magazine

Estimated landing site of the Chinese spacecraft. Image: @MasterActual / Twitter

In August 2022, after 90 days of flight, this device launched a small satellite into orbit. Its nature and purpose are unknown. Tracking data obtained by the United States Space Force (USSF) showed that it remained in close proximity to the spacecraft, which is somewhat similar to the Boeing X-37B, for a long time.

It is assumed that all this is part of a Chinese program, in which it is planned to build a super-heavy launch system, similar to the SpaceX system. The launch vehicle concept plan was presented by China back in April 2021.

Beijing also is engaged development of yet another reusable space plane known as the Tengyun ("Cloud Rider"). His concept was shown at Airshow China in 2021. Judging by that demo, the car will be part of a two-stage launch system that relies on a booster (similar to how it works with Virgin Galactic).