US intelligence discovers mysterious object released by China's space plane in orbit.
China's reusable space plane, similar to the US's Boeing X-37B, has landed after a nine-month mission, during which it released an unidentified "object" into orbit, according to a report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Experts believe the plane may have a satellite removal capability, such as a robotic arm, and could be used for repairing damaged satellites or removing orbital debris. However, the Chinese government has released very little information about the craft, leaving its design, capabilities, and performance hazy.
