China's Reusable Spaceplane Completes 268-Day Mission

The Shenlong spacecraft's third flight marks significant progress in China's reusable space technology.

The spaceplane launched from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center and landed in the Gobi Desert.
During its mission, Shenlong released several objects and adjusted its orbit to 372 miles above Earth.
This mission tested the spacecraft's reusability and conducted scientific experiments in orbit.
China's space program aims to develop more affordable and efficient round-trip space travel.
The Shenlong is often compared to the U.S. military's X-37B spaceplane.