With a flight of 276 days in space, China has tested a mysterious multi-purpose new spacecraft. The mission was “a great success” and would provide a “more practical and cost-effective means of peaceful use of space” in the future. There are no photos of the space glider yet. Experts suspect that its size and design could resemble the US Air Force’s Boeing X-37B.
The spacecraft successfully returned to Earth on Monday, China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) said in a statement Tuesday. The main contractor of China’s space program spoke of a “complete success” and a “significant breakthrough” in research into reusable space technology.
Exposed to small satellites
Further details were not given. The space glider was launched on August 4, 2022 with a “Long March 2F” rocket from Jiuquan Spaceport in the Gobi Desert. Foreign experts reported that he deployed a small satellite in close proximity to the spacecraft.
Where the spacecraft landed has not been disclosed
Based on the trajectory and activities on the ground, foreign experts assume that the landing took place at the Lop Nor military base in western China. It was the second test with the mysterious spaceship. In 2020 there was already a four-day flight about which little was known.
Source: Krone
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