Overview

• China has successfully launched its secretive space plane, Shenlong, for the third time, with the mission remaining undisclosed.
• The launch occurred just hours after the U.S. Space Force postponed the launch of its own secret space plane, the X-37B, due to weather and technical issues.
• Both the Chinese Shenlong and the U.S. X-37B are highly monitored due to the mystery surrounding their missions and capabilities.
• China's Shenlong completed its last mission in August 2022, returning to Earth after 276 days in orbit during which it released an unknown object.
• The development of reusable spacecraft like Shenlong and X-37B is seen as critical for increasing the frequency and reducing the costs of space missions.