Space Rivalry Unfolds: China's Shenlong vs. U.S. X-37B in Reusable Spacecraft Race
December 17, 2023
China reached a new record in its space exploration campaign on Thursday when it launched the third reusable robot spacecraft successfully since 2020. This secretive orbital test flight program by the China National Space Administration hopes to develop modern reusable technology that can minimize expenses related to space missions. The unmanned spacecraft was launched on a Long March 2F rocket from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwest China and it will stay in orbit for an unknown length of time before landing at a predetermined location within Chinese border under control. During its flight, the spacecraft will validate various reusable technologies and conduct undisclosed space experiments.
This mission follows the previous launch of the spacecraft in August 2022, during which it spent an impressive 276 days in orbit. Despite the lack of specific details on the technologies tested or the altitude achieved during the flight, China remains committed to advancing its reusable spacecraft program, colloquially known as Shenlong, or the "Divine Dragon" in Chinese. Notably, China's efforts align with the United States' equally secretive program involving the X-37B, an autonomous spaceplane designed for extended orbital missions.
China's latest launch occurred shortly after SpaceX postponed the countdown for a new X-37B launch due to weather and technical challenges at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The X-37B, built by Boeing, resembles a miniature space shuttle and has previously conducted missions lasting over 900 days in orbit. The growing space rivalry between China and the United States is evident, with Space Force General B. Chance Saltzman suggesting that China may launch its Shenlong spacecraft around the same time as the forthcoming X-37B flight.
The development of reusable spacecraft is a pivotal step in achieving the broader goals of enhancing the frequency and reducing the per-mission costs of spaceflight. As both China and the United States push the boundaries of space exploration, these endeavors contribute to the evolving dynamics of global space competition, emphasizing the significance of technological advancements in achieving sustainable and cost-effective space missions.
This mission follows the previous launch of the spacecraft in August 2022, during which it spent an impressive 276 days in orbit. Despite the lack of specific details on the technologies tested or the altitude achieved during the flight, China remains committed to advancing its reusable spacecraft program, colloquially known as Shenlong, or the "Divine Dragon" in Chinese. Notably, China's efforts align with the United States' equally secretive program involving the X-37B, an autonomous spaceplane designed for extended orbital missions.
China's latest launch occurred shortly after SpaceX postponed the countdown for a new X-37B launch due to weather and technical challenges at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The X-37B, built by Boeing, resembles a miniature space shuttle and has previously conducted missions lasting over 900 days in orbit. The growing space rivalry between China and the United States is evident, with Space Force General B. Chance Saltzman suggesting that China may launch its Shenlong spacecraft around the same time as the forthcoming X-37B flight.
The development of reusable spacecraft is a pivotal step in achieving the broader goals of enhancing the frequency and reducing the per-mission costs of spaceflight. As both China and the United States push the boundaries of space exploration, these endeavors contribute to the evolving dynamics of global space competition, emphasizing the significance of technological advancements in achieving sustainable and cost-effective space missions.