From Austria, Felix Schöfbänker, a seasoned satellite observer, achieved a rare feat: capturing images of the Shenlong, a Chinese space plane whose mission remains shrouded in mystery. This robotic vehicle, launched by a Long March 2F rocket in December 2023, is in Earth orbit for its third mission, but few details have filtered out on its precise role.
Unexpected discovery in the Austrian sky
The astronomer, equipped with a telescope with a 14-inch mirror, followed the flight of the device from his position in Austria. To get clear images, it uses a technique of recording videos while hovering, then extracting and enhancing the best shots. This method allowed him to observe certain aspects of the Shenlong that had never been confirmed before.
« I’m not yet sure if what I saw were solar panels or an antenna. “, said Felix Schöfbänker to Space.com. The images, which are quite blurry, show two unidentified structures on the back of the device, a feature absent from the digital renderings available until now. According to initial estimates, the device would measure around 10 meters long, slightly larger than the US Space Force’s X-37B space plane.
The Shenlong, like its American equivalent, is designed for prolonged missions in Earth orbit. These spaceplanes, capable of returning to Earth and landing on a conventional landing strip, are one of China’s most advanced tools for uncrewed space missions. Since its launch in 2023, the Shenlong has already released seven objects of unknown nature into space, fueling speculation about their functions.
During his observation, Felix Schöfbänker noted that the Chinese space plane had recently changed its orbit, positioning itself approximately 350 kilometers from Earth. This change in altitude could indicate the entry into a new phase of the mission, even if the exact objectives are obviously confidential. Space imagery taken by the astronomer also shows that the device appears oriented like a conventional airplane, with the nose pointed toward the front of its orbital path.
One of the particularities of the Shenlong lies in its reusable aspect which is similar to the American X-37B model. This type of technology makes it possible to carry out long and complex missions without requiring human presence on board, while reducing the costs of space launches.
The missions of the Shenlong and the X-37B are similar in many respects, although their exact contents are rarely disclosed. In the United States, the X-37B has already completed six missions, the longest lasting 909 days in orbit. The Shenlong, for its part, is on its third confirmed mission, the previous one having lasted 276 days.
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