China's mysterious space plane reportedly lands after 276-day mission
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China's reusable uncrewed space plane reportedly returned to Earth on Monday to conclude a 276-day orbital mission, a report from the South China Morning Post (SCMP) explains.
Back in September 2020, the secretive space plane, which has been compared to the U.S. Air Force's X-37B space plane, performed a maiden flight that lasted roughly two days.
Little is known about the vessel's mission, though some suspect it features advanced imaging and surveillance technology.
China's secretive space plane
China has not released any images or specifications related to its secretive space plane. Based on the payload capacity of the Long March 2F rocket that launched the spacecraft, though, experts have speculated that it may be roughly the same size and design as the U.S. Air Force's X-37B.
According to the SCMP report, China's biggest space defense contractor, the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, hailed the latest mission as "a complete success" that "marks an important breakthrough".
The mission will help to "provide a more convenient and cost-effective way for peaceful use of space", the report continued – a statement that's best taken with a sizeable pinch of salt.
Space planes could provide a strategic advantage
Though we know very little about China's space plane, we do have the X-37B as a point of reference. The U.S. space plane landed last year, having spent a record 908 days in orbit on its fifth flight since its debut in 2010.
The reusable, robotic X-37B has a mass of roughly 5,000 kg (11,000 lbs) and it measures around 9 meters (29.5 feet) in length. It is known as the lightest and smallest space plane flown to date, and it was initially launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket.
Though the U.S. Air Force has released images of its vessel, it is also secretive about its missions, leading to speculation it may also be used for surveillance missions.
The development of space planes could be significant in the race to build a strategic advantage in space. Another space plane, the Dream Chaser is being developed by Sierra Space and it could eventually be used to ferry passengers to and from the International Space Station as well as any private U.S. orbital station that will act as the former's successor.
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