"China's Spaceplane Deploys Mysterious Orbital Object"

China's experimental reusable spaceplane has released an unknown object into orbit during its third mission, which has been ongoing since December 14, 2023. The U.S. Space Force cataloged the object, and experts speculate it could be a subsatellite or hardware for testing proximity and capture maneuvers. The mission, shrouded in secrecy, aims to develop capabilities similar to the U.S. X-37B spaceplane, with potential for reduced costs and increased mission frequency.