China's secretive space plane caught on camera in orbit
A satellite image of China's space plane, launched on December 14, 2023, shows it is about 30 feet long and has adjusted its orbit to 217 miles above Earth, with undisclosed mission objectives.
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A recently captured image of China's secretive space plane has emerged, taken by satellite observer Felix Schöfbänker. The space plane, which is currently on its third flight, was launched into orbit on December 14, 2023, by a Long March 2F rocket. Schöfbänker utilized a 14-inch telescope and specialized equipment to track and photograph the vehicle. The imagery reveals two solar panels, although their exact function remains uncertain. The space plane is estimated to be approximately 30 feet (10 meters) long, potentially making it larger than the U.S. X-37B space plane. The orientation of the craft suggests it is flying normally, and it has recently adjusted its orbit to about 217 miles (350 kilometers) above Earth. The specific objectives of this flight remain undisclosed, paralleling the ongoing secretive mission of the U.S. Space Force's X-37B, which has been in operation since December 29, 2023.
- China's space plane was launched on December 14, 2023.
- The vehicle is approximately 30 feet long, possibly larger than the U.S. X-37B.
- The craft has lowered its orbit to about 217 miles above Earth.
- The purpose of the space plane's current mission is not publicly known.
- The imagery captured includes features not visible in previous computer renderings.
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