
China's secretive reusable spacecraft likely testing satellite-interfering tech, say experts
China's secretive reusable spacecraft, likely for satellite manipulation, draws concern and speculation about its military applications and technological testing.

China's recent advancements in space technology have drawn attention to its uncrewed reusable spacecraft, which has been conducting secretive missions. The spacecraft, observed during its third mission in June, has sparked speculation among experts about its potential military and non-military applications.
Experts' Insights
Marco Langbroek, a lecturer in optical space situational awareness, suggested that the spacecraft's capabilities, such as closely inspecting or disabling enemy objects, indicate potential military uses. However, he also noted its non-military applications, such as the ability to refuel satellites. Meanwhile, Victoria Samson, chief director of space security and stability at the Secure World Foundation, views China's spaceplane as a technology demonstrator rather than a military asset.
China's Secrecy and U.S. Comparison
Despite China's lack of transparency regarding the spacecraft's tested technologies, state media reports on its launches and landings. The current flight, which commenced in December 2023, follows previous missions in August 2022 and September 2020.
General Stephen Whiting, commander of U.S. Space Command, expressed the U.S.' interest in understanding the nature of China's space activities, emphasizing the assumption of dual-use capabilities for national security purposes. The U.S. parallels China's spaceplane with its own uncrewed Boeing X-37B spaceplane, launched in 2010.
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