China's reusable space plane, Shenlong, has released another unknown object into Earth's orbit during its third mission. The object, cataloged by the U.S. Space Force, could be a subsatellite or hardware ejected before deorbiting. This follows previous similar activities by Shenlong, which has been in orbit for 168 days. The mission aims to verify reusable technology and conduct space science experiments.
China's reusable space plane, Shenlong, has released another unknown object into Earth's orbit after 168 days in space. The object, cataloged by the U.S. Space Force, could be a subsatellite or hardware ejected before the mission's end. This follows similar activities from previous missions, with the space plane conducting reusable technology verification and space science experiments.
Sierra Space's new space plane, Dream Chaser, is set to launch from Florida in September, aiming to transport cargo to the International Space Station. The first model, Tenacity, recently arrived at Kennedy Space Center. Former NASA astronaut Dr. Tom Marshburn, now with Sierra Space, highlights the company's efforts to facilitate low Earth orbit research and manufacturing, including developing an inflatable space station module.
China's secretive Shenlong space plane released an unidentified object 372 miles above Earth, believed to be a small satellite or hardware. The U.S. Space Force has been tracking the plane since its launch in December 2022. The Shenlong, similar to the U.S. Boeing X-37B, has been in orbit for 276 days. Chinese officials have not disclosed details about the object or the plane's activities, maintaining that it is for peaceful space science experiments.
Sierra Space unveiled its Dream Chaser space plane, set to make its first flight to the International Space Station (ISS) later this year. The robotic space plane, named "Tenacity," and its cargo module, "Shooting Star," were showcased at NASA's Neil Armstrong Test Facility in Ohio. The space plane is designed for multiple missions, with the first uncrewed demonstration mission aimed at ferrying cargo to the ISS. Sierra Space aims to increase commercial resupply options in low Earth orbit, with the potential for significant advancements in space research and exploration.
Sierra Space unveiled its Dream Chaser space plane, set to make its first flight to the International Space Station (ISS) later this year. Named "Tenacity," the space plane will ferry cargo to the ISS for NASA and is designed for up to 15 missions. The company aims to create a reusable and reliable vehicle, using hydrogen peroxide and refined kerosene as fuel. The launch is targeted for the first half of this year from Cape Canaveral, and Sierra Space will work with NASA to monitor the flight and conduct in-orbit demonstrations.
China's Shenlong robotic space plane has been observed placing six unidentified objects into Earth's orbit, emitting signals similar to previous missions. The Chinese space plane, known as the "Divine Dragon," has exhibited similar behaviors in the past, releasing small unknown objects into orbit. China is gaining experience with space plane operations for various objectives, including potentially establishing a cost-effective reusable mass satellite launch platform. Additionally, China plans to build a 300-satellite constellation in Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) by 2030, providing ultra-fast remote sensing and communication services. The use of space planes for military purposes, such as a fractional orbital bombardment system (FOBS), is also discussed, although Western analysts are skeptical about China's claims in this regard.
China's secret space plane, similar to the US military's X-37B, has been emitting strong signals to the ground while passing over North America, according to satellite tracker Scott Tilley. The emissions, detected at a frequency of 2280 megahertz, suggest the presence of a hidden ground station or a ship near North America's west coast. Tilley speculates that there may be a clandestine ground station or ship off the coast. The Chinese space plane, on its third mission, has been closely monitored by satellite trackers worldwide. The purpose of the emissions and the satellite duo released by the plane remain unknown.
China's Shenlong space plane has deployed six unknown objects into Earth orbit, with some emitting signals. Amateur spacecraft trackers have been closely monitoring the objects and have observed emissions from some of them. The objects have been designated as OBJECT A, B, C, D, E, and F. OBJECT A's emissions resemble those emitted by previous objects released by China's space plane. OBJECT D and E emit intermittent "placeholder" signals. Satellite trackers have analyzed the signals and are confident they are coming from the objects or close proximity to them. The behavior of the space plane is different from previous missions, and close encounters between OBJECT A and OBJECTs D and E are expected. The United States also operates a similar space plane, the X-37B, and the timing of the launches is not a coincidence.
China's Shenlong space plane has apparently deployed six mysterious objects into Earth orbit, designated as OBJECT A, B, C, D, E, and F. Amateur spacecraft trackers have been monitoring the objects and have recorded emissions from some of them. OBJECT A emits signals similar to those emitted by previous objects released by China's space plane. OBJECT D and E emit intermittent "placeholder" signals. The emissions are believed to come from the objects or close proximity to them. The purpose and nature of these objects remain unknown.
China has launched its reusable space plane, Shenlong, for the third time. The spacecraft, which conducts space science experiments and provides technical support for the peaceful use of space, was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. The launch comes just seven months after the spacecraft's last mission, a much quicker follow-up compared to previous launches. The timing of the launch coincided with the delay of the US Space Force's X-37B reusable space plane launch. Both China and the US are interested in each other's space planes, as they offer the capability to put something in orbit, perform tasks, and return with results.
China has launched its reusable space plane, Shenlong, for the third time, just seven months after its last mission. The spacecraft's purpose is to conduct space science experiments and provide technical support for the peaceful use of space. The close timing of China's space plane launch and the delay of the US Space Force's X-37B launch suggests that both countries are interested in each other's space planes. Little is known about Shenlong, but it is believed to be used for testing new payloads and orbital operations.
Sierra Space has unveiled its completed Dream Chaser space plane, which will undergo testing before being used to transport cargo to the International Space Station (ISS). Named Tenacity, the vehicle's design can withstand high reentry temperatures and features an autonomous flight system. Originally intended for passenger and cargo transport, Sierra Space shifted its focus to building the world's first commercial runway-capable space plane. Once testing is complete, the craft could make its first flight in April 2023.
Sierra Space has completed construction on its first Dream Chaser space plane, named "Tenacity," marking a significant milestone for the company. The vehicle will be shipped to NASA's Neil A. Armstrong Test Facility for environmental testing. Sierra Space holds a NASA contract to launch robotic resupply missions to the International Space Station (ISS) with Dream Chaser, and Tenacity is expected to make its first flight to the ISS in April 2024. The space plane's design combines aesthetics, functionality, and endurance, with the ability to withstand reentry temperatures of over 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Sierra Space also plans to use Dream Chaser for crewed missions in the future.
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.
