China’s reusable space plane, the Shenlong or “Divine Dragon,” has embarked on its fourth orbital mission. Launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on February 6, it is again circling Earth, but details about its activities remain murky.
The Shenlong has previously completed three missions, each lasting from two to nearly 300 days. Its role, as described by the Chinese government, is to test technologies for more accessible and affordable space travel in the future. This purpose echoes that of the U.S. military’s X-37B space plane, which operates under similar levels of secrecy.
Despite some suspicions surrounding the X-37B, experts argue that its military implications may be overstated. The Secure World Foundation notes that the X-37B has never attempted to rendezvous with other spacecraft and orbits below most operational satellites. It would also be an ineffective weapon due to its small payload capacity and the need for significant modifications for military applications.
However, unlike the X-37B, the Shenlong has shown capabilities beyond basic testing. It has released objects into orbit during its earlier missions, and experts have confirmed that it executed close maneuvers and docking operations. This functionality indicates a focus on advanced techniques that allow for monitoring or potentially interfering with other satellites.
Victoria Samson, a space security expert, explains that the ability to conduct rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) is crucial for modern space endeavors. Countries like China, Russia, and the U.S. are investing in this technology to enhance satellite capabilities. Mastery in RPO would enable countries to refurbish, upgrade, or even tamper with adversary spacecraft, a necessity for maintaining operational superiority in space.
As global interest in satellite technology grows, so do concerns about potential military applications. Transparency about the Shenlong and its operations could help ease fears. A clearer picture of these missions might assure observers that the intentions of both China’s and the U.S.’s space planes are more benign than some speculate.
In today’s rapidly evolving space domain, keeping tabs on activities like those of the Shenlong is vital. As competition intensifies, many are left wondering how these developments will shape our future in space.
