Chinese Space Shuttle Places Unidentified Object into Orbit [Reading Science]

US Space Force Reveals Observation Results
Small Object Released Late Last Month
May Be Companion Satellite or Debris

Debris of the Long March 2F rocket released by the Chinese space agency. This rocket was used to launch a reusable experimental spacecraft on August 4. Photo by Twitter capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] China’s secretly developed space shuttle has remained in orbit for over 90 days since its launch in August, and it was confirmed at the end of last month that it released an unidentified object, raising curiosity.

The U.S. Space Force announced on the 2nd (local time) that the 18th Space Defense Squadron, responsible for tracking orbital objects, observed that China’s "Reusable Experimental Spacecraft (space shuttle)" launched on August 4th from the Jiuquan Launch Center in the Gobi Desert using a Long March 2F rocket released an unidentified object into orbit on the 31st of last month. This object is currently orbiting at a close distance to the space shuttle.

Chinese authorities have not disclosed any information about the identity of this object. Experts suggest it could be a small satellite intended to monitor the reusable experimental spacecraft, as China’s manned spacecraft have previously carried small satellites for monitoring purposes. Alternatively, it might be an experiment to verify the capability of transporting small satellites into orbit. Another analysis is that it could be a service module containing discarded items from the space shuttle, which will soon re-enter the atmosphere and burn up. China also conducted a test launch of this space shuttle in September 2020, during which it remained in orbit for two days and released one unidentified object.

Meanwhile, China remains completely silent about the specifications and purpose of this space shuttle. However, it has publicly released images of debris from the Long March 2F rocket used for the launch. After placing the shuttle into orbit in August, Chinese space authorities recovered and are publicly displaying parts of the launch vehicle, including the payload fairing of the Long March 2F rocket that fell back to Earth. The payload fairing measures approximately 4.2 meters in diameter, and considering that spacecraft and satellites are folded during launch and then deployed, it is estimated that China’s space shuttle is at least 4.2 meters in diameter. The China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, which is developing this space shuttle, explained that it is "to foster strength in the fields of science, technology, aviation, and transportation" and that it "has practical value in social, technological, economic, and other applications."

The shuttle has been orbiting for over 90 days, but the return schedule has not been disclosed. However, U.S. experts analyze that it will return soon. Satellite images of the Lop Nur landing site in the Xinjiang region, which is expected to be used as the shuttle’s runway, show recent activities preparing for landing.

In addition, China is developing various other space shuttles. The China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) is currently developing a commercial spacecraft named Tengyun in collaboration with private companies. It is a hypersonic spaceplane concept and successfully secured over $46.3 million in investment last year. Several other Chinese rocket companies are also developing various small spacecraft that can be launched using liquid rockets.