China tests reusable spacecraft in secretive ‘star wars’ programme
On 4 September China successfully tested in space a new ‘reusable experimental spacecraft’, nomenclature unknown, after launching it from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in Inner Mongolia.
A Long March 2F rocket carried the spacecraft into a low Earth orbit at an altitude of 350km, though the purpose of the mission remains shrouded in mystery. Indeed, strict security measures were tightened even further and launch centre staff were warned beforehand not to take imagery of the spacecraft, such was the classified nature of the mission.
State-run news agency Xinhua merely reported: ‘After a period of in-orbit operation, the spacecraft will
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
You may also like
More from Space Solutions Special Report
-
![British Army embraces SlingShot]()
British Army embraces SlingShot
Add-on kit turns UHF/VHF radio into a BLoS solution to support voice and data communications.
-
![DEWC Systems takes MOESS sensor development to next stage]()
DEWC Systems takes MOESS sensor development to next stage
The MOESS programme intends to deploy a sovereign Australian tactical electromagnetic sensor capability, installed on a constellation of CubeSats. DEWC is developing a sensor that can conduct radar electronic support in defence-relevant radio frequency bands used by assets such as ships and aircraft.
-
![MDA unlocks key challenge to advanced ballistic missile tracking]()
MDA unlocks key challenge to advanced ballistic missile tracking
The US is progressing with its HBTSS project, having overcome an important obstacle.
-
![Is Russian manned space technology shifting towards military applications?]()
Is Russian manned space technology shifting towards military applications?
Plans for Russia to build its own orbital station could enable geospatial intelligence-gathering missions and onboard military experiments away from international observers.
-
![EU plays catch-up on launchers]()
EU plays catch-up on launchers
Europe ceded the initiative on reusable launcher technology in 2014 and only now is it trying to claw back the lost ground.
-
![Military explores potential of commercial SATCOM]()
Military explores potential of commercial SATCOM
Commercial satellite constellations may find favour with the DoD for low Earth orbit solutions.
