China Launches Mystery Reusable Spaceplane For Third Time

China has launched its experimental reusable spacecraft for the third time, marking a significant milestone in the country's rapid advancement in space technology. The spacecraft, dubbed Shenlong, or "Divine Dragon," lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert on Thursday, December 14, 2023.

The mission, shrouded in secrecy, was carried out by a Long March 2F rocket and sent the spacecraft into low Earth orbit. The Chinese government has provided limited information about the spacecraft's purpose, but it is believed to be part of China's ambitious plan to develop reusable space technology.

Shenlong's previous launches in 2020 and 2022 focused on space science experiments and technology verification. However, the timing of this third launch, just seven months after the second mission, suggests that China may be accelerating its development of reusable spacecraft.

The secrecy surrounding Shenlong mirrors that of the US military's X-37B spaceplane, which has conducted numerous secretive missions of unknown purpose. This similarity has fueled speculation that Shenlong may also have military applications.

Regardless of its exact purpose, Shenlong's development represents a major step forward for China's space program. Reusable spacecraft could significantly reduce the cost of space missions, making space exploration more accessible and affordable.