2023-05-08 20:00:00
In the midst of the new space race, China scores a new triumph. After 276 in orbit, the Asian giant successfully returns a reusable spacecraft from that country to its launch site in Jiuquan.
The little-known mission is part of China’s stealthy progress on defense and space. Possibly, the aircraft is part of a space prototype comparable perhaps to the X37B of the United States.
China launches the mission on August 5, 2022 on a rocket from Jiuquan. According to the Xinhua agency, the objective of the mission is to test reusable and service technologies in orbit with the aim of a peaceful use of space.
In space, the aircraft launches an object into orbit according to tracking information from the United States Space Force in 2022. It appears to be a small satellite operating close to the spacecraft.
Due to the secrecy that China manages, there is little information regarding the mission. Speculations in this regard indicate that it is related to future space transportation development projects with the aim of providing reliable and low-cost access to space in the future, including reusable vehicles and a space shuttle.
not the first mission
China carries out its first mission in 2020. On that occasion, the spacecraft makes a flight of just four days in an orbit between 331 by 347 kilometers. On that occasion, a small payload is also launched before returning to Earth.
The current mission is more extensive since it probably constitutes a second phase of tests that is larger than the previous one. In that context, the aircraft performs numerous smaller and larger orbital maneuvers, with adjustments prior to its re-entry to Earth and landing in China.
Cover photo – CNSA
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