China’s enigmatic Shenlong space plane has released another unidentified object into orbit, marking the seventh such release in the past six months. The U.S. Space Force is closely monitoring this development.
On May 24, at approximately 3 p.m. ET, the Shenlong space plane deployed an unidentified object while orbiting 372 miles (600 kilometers) above Earth’s surface. Experts outside China speculate that this object could be a small satellite or a piece of hardware ejected in preparation for the craft’s deorbiting.
The U.S. Space Force has been tracking the Shenlong since its launch aboard a Long March 2F rocket from the Jiuquan Launch Center on December 14. Although little is known about the Shenlong, it bears resemblance to the U.S. Boeing X-37B space plane, which is capable of extended missions lasting years. The Shenlong first launched in 2020, remaining in orbit for just two days. Its second voyage, starting in late 2022, lasted 276 days.
Named “Divine Dragon,” the Shenlong deployed six smaller objects shortly after its launch last year, each emitting some kind of signal. Chinese officials have been secretive about the space plane and its activities, providing no information about the nature of these objects or acknowledging their existence.
Meanwhile, the U.S. military’s X-37B space plane is also in orbit, having launched on December 28 aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. Space Force Chief of Space Operations B. Chance Saltzman remarked to Air & Space Forces magazine that the simultaneous operation of these missions is “probably no coincidence.”
China’s state-run media have not suggested any military applications for the Shenlong. Xinhua reported that “after operating in orbit for a period of time, the experimental spacecraft will return to the designated landing site in China.” During its mission, it will conduct reusable technology verification and space science experiments to support the peaceful use of space.
Reusable space planes like the Shenlong have significant commercial and scientific potential, including passenger transport and more efficient satellite launches. Nonetheless, the Space Force will continue to monitor the Shenlong mission until its return to Earth.
