According to various reports, the spacecraft is launched in a vertical orbit like a satellite, but returns to land in a horizontal orbit similar to an airplane, with the landing being carried out autonomously. This model is somewhat reminiscent of the American X-37B spacecraft, although details of the Chinese design remain confidential
On Thursday, September 5, 2024, Chinese media announced that China's experimental multi-purpose spacecraft had successfully returned to Earth, having completed its third mission in orbit. The mission, which lasted 267 days, was similar in length to the previous mission which lasted 276 days. However, it significantly exceeds the spacecraft's first mission, which was completed in just two days. The launch was carried out from the Jiuchuan Space Base in December 2023 on a Long March 2F rocket.
The landing became another milestone in China's progress in the field of multi-purpose space, but as with the previous missions, the details regarding the purpose of the mission and the characteristics of the spacecraft itself were kept secret. The official report by the Chinese news agency that spoke of "success in the reusable spacecraft mission" did not include additional photos or details, but emphasized that this is a significant step in the development of reusable space technologies that will enable cheaper and more convenient launches for civilian uses in space in the future.
Advanced technology and space exploration
The Chinese multipurpose spacecraft, known as CSSHQ (Experimental Multipurpose Spacecraft), is the first project of its kind developed by China. According to various reports, the spacecraft is launched in a vertical orbit like a satellite, but returns to land in a horizontal orbit similar to an airplane, with the landing being carried out autonomously. This model is somewhat reminiscent of the American X-37B spacecraft, although details of the Chinese design remain confidential.
The spacecraft participated in several maneuvers in orbit, which included releasing a small object into orbit, and it is assumed that it performed proximity and rendezvous operations with the object that remained in orbit. These missions, along with previous maneuvers made during the second mission, may be a preparation for the future in which the spacecraft can be used not only for the return and maintenance of satellites, but also for military needs such as disabling enemy satellites.
A multipurpose launch system and ambitions for the future
China's multi-use project does not focus only on the spacecraft itself, but also on additional systems intended for reuse. The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), which is leading the project, is also developing a two-stage system (TSTO), which incorporates a suborbital stage powered by a scramjet engine. This system, which was tested for the first time in 2021, is expected to provide a solution for launching payloads into space with repeated use, where it is estimated that the first stage could be used up to 20 times.
Since 2022, the project has received extensive national funding from China's science institutions, which indicates the significant investment in the development of multi-purpose space technologies. This system, which includes the multipurpose spacecraft and the two-stage launch system, is part of an overall effort by China to improve its access to space, reduce costs and increase its technological independence in this area.
Implications for the future
China continues to increase its presence in space through the development of technologies that will suit both civilian purposes and military needs. The success of the current mission reinforces the spacecraft's multi-purpose capabilities, and with continued development, the project may lead China to leadership in the field of reusable space in the coming years.
One response
Most people don't have the brains to understand that a spaceship can't fly in a vacuum. One of the biggest lies in our world. The name of Ramon's book: Sky above us. Sky is not air, it's something blocking. The difference between water and water.