China’s Reusable Space Plane Back in Orbit

China’s reusable space plane, known as the Shenlong (“Divine Dragon”), is once again making rounds around Earth. The spacecraft launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert on February 6, marking its fourth orbital mission.

The details about what exactly Shenlong is doing up there remain unclear. The Chinese government hasn’t shared much information regarding its operations. Its previous flights to low Earth orbit (LEO) occurred in September 2020, May 2023, and September 2024, lasting two days, 276 days, and 266 days, respectively.

The official explanation is quite general: Shenlong is testing technologies that “will pave the way for more convenient and affordable round-trip methods for the peaceful use of space in the future.” This reasoning echoes the U.S. military’s justification for its own autonomous X-37B space plane, which Shenlong resembles. Both vehicles share a degree of secrecy, with many of the X-37B’s payloads classified.

Analysts point out that the Space Force possesses two X-37B vehicles, each about 29 feet long, resembling miniature versions of NASA’s previous space shuttle orbiters. The X-37B first reached orbit in 2010, and it’s currently on its eighth mission after launching last August with a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

Despite claims from military officials that the X-37B is merely a technology testbed, some suspicions remain. In the past, China perceived it as a potential space weapon, though experts argue those fears may be exaggerated.

One report from the nonprofit Secure World Foundation (SWF) states, “The X-37B has never approached or rendezvoused with any other known space object and orbits far below the majority of operational satellites.” There was, however, one instance where it ventured 24,000 miles from Earth during a specific flight.

As for Shenlong, it shares similar characteristics with the X-37B but has actually rendezvoused with other space objects. During its earlier missions, it released one or more objects into orbit. This information wasn’t disclosed by the Chinese government but was instead gathered by U.S. military watchers and independent astronomers tracking its activities.

The satellites deployed in previous missions had capabilities like broadcasting transmissions and showing independent propulsion. It appears that Shenlong might prioritize maneuvers and docking operations, reflecting a broader focus among Chinese space officials.

Victoria Samson, chief director of space security and stability for the SWF, noted that their interest in such skills aligns with activities from other countries, including the U.S. and Russia. She remarked, “Mastery of RPO tech would allow operators to refuel, refurbish, upgrade and deorbit their own satellites — and potentially inspect or tamper with adversary spacecraft.”

Concerns linger about Shenlong’s potential for anti-satellite actions, and it’s challenging to assess how significant these worries truly are, especially with the lack of transparency surrounding both Shenlong and the X-37B.

Samson suggests that increased transparency would alleviate some fears, saying, “A little more clarity would help fill in the blanks; otherwise, people tend to imagine the worst-case scenario.”