China’s reusable space plane, the Shenlong (meaning “divine dragon”), has once again sparked international curiosity by releasing an unidentified object into Earth’s orbit. This latest deployment, spotted in late May 2024, marks the seventh object ejected by the Shenlong in just six months, adding to the secrecy surrounding the spacecraft’s mission.
The object, currently designated 59884 (2023-195G) by the U.S. Space Force, is being closely monitored. Experts speculate it could be a small satellite or hardware jettisoned before Shenlong’s planned deorbiting. However, China’s need for more transparency regarding the object’s purpose and nature fuels various theories.
This isn’t the first time the Shenlong mission has raised eyebrows. Shortly after its launch in December 2023, the spaceplane deployed six similar objects that emitted signals, further mystifying observers. China has remained tight-lipped about the Shenlong program, offering only vague statements about “reusable technology verification” and “space science experiments.” This secrecy has naturally led to speculation about the program’s true objectives.
Some experts believe the Shenlong might be involved in military or surveillance activities. Deploying objects in orbit could help position surveillance equipment or test new weapons technologies. However, there’s no concrete evidence to support these claims.
Jonathan McDowell, a Harvard astronomer and space object tracker, noted the unusual nature of the Shenlong’s deployments. “Releasing a mystery object from a spaceplane is highly unusual,” he said, suggesting China might be testing novel technologies or capabilities.
The Shenlong’s activities coincide with the ongoing mission of the U.S. Air Force’s X-37B space plane. Both spacecraft share similar capabilities, and their simultaneous operations have led some to believe it’s not a coincidence. General B. Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations for the U.S. Space Force, has hinted at a potential connection between the missions.
Some are concerned about the secrecy surrounding China’s space program. Transparency in space activities is crucial for preventing misunderstandings and potential conflicts. Open communication allows countries to track each other’s objects in orbit and reduces the risk of accidental collisions.
The repeated deployments from the Shenlong highlight the growing importance of space situational awareness – the ability to track and identify objects orbiting Earth. This awareness is essential for ensuring all nations’ safe and sustainable use of space.
While the exact purpose of Shenlong’s mystery objects remains unknown, one thing is clear: China’s growing space ambitions and lack of transparency are prompting international scrutiny. Only time will tell what secrets the Shenlong holds and its ultimate role in China’s space strategy.
