On December 14, China launched its secret reusable spaceplane on its third-ever mission, Space.com reports.
A Long March 2F rocket with a spaceplane on board was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. The mission will conduct scientific experiments in space.
Little is known about the Chinese reusable spaceplane Shenlong, or “Divine Dragon.” It is only noted that it is used to test new payloads and orbital operations.
A few hours before the launch of Shenlong, SpaceX canceled the planned launch of the US Space Force’s X-37B reusable spaceplane. The mission, known as USSF-52, has been canceled for additional equipment checks, and a new launch date has not yet been set.
According to U.S. Space Force General Chance Saltzman, the coincidence of the launch of the two spacecraft is not accidental. He noted that China and the United States are very interested in each other’s spaceplanes.
These are the two objects that are most observed in orbit while they are there. It is probably no accident that they are trying to catch up with us in time and in the sequence of this.
General of the US Space Force Chance Saltzman
