An experimental spacecraft from China returned to Earth on Monday after 276 days in orbit, Chinese state media reported, marking a milestone in reusable space China's
The spacecraft was uncrewed and returned to the Jiuquan launch center in northwest China on Monday as scheduled.
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The media did not report details about the type of spacecraft ,the technologies used and tested, the altitude it reached and the position it was in orbit. The craft was launched in August 2022. In addition, images of the craft have not yet been released.
The test marks a "major" breakthrough in China's research into reusable spacecraft technology that will provide a more convenient and cheaper way to carry out future space missions.
In 2021, a similar spacecraft flew to the edge of space and returned to Earth the same day in a mission that was also highly secretive.
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Commentators on Chinese social media have speculated that Beijing is developing a spacecraft similar to the U.S. Air Force's X-37B . It is an autonomous space plane that can remain in orbit for years. The uncrewed and reusable X-37B returned to Earth in November of last year on its sixth and final mission, after more than 900 days in orbit.
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Successful tests of reusable space technologies show us that we don’t need to rely on expensive, disposable spacecraft to explore the universe. A new era of sustainable, affordable space travel is within reach. These developments will not only benefit space agencies and private companies, but will also have far-reaching implications for Earth. By reducing the cost of space travel, we can accelerate research and development for new sustainable solutions for our planet. Reusable space technologies are the future of space exploration, and we can’t wait to see what advances they bring.
Source: www.reuters.com
