Reusable spacecraft returns to Earth after 268-day mission

Reusable spacecraft returns to Earth after 268-day mission
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Sep 11, 2024

China's reusable experimental spacecraft successfully returned to Earth on Friday, following a 268-day orbital mission, as announced by the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. This marks a significant step in the development of China's reusable spacecraft technologies, paving the way for more affordable and efficient space travel between Earth and outer space, according to a statement from the launch center.

The spacecraft was launched on December 14 aboard a Long March 2F rocket from Jiuquan. Its mission focused on verifying reusable technology and conducting space science experiments, laying the groundwork for future peaceful space operations.

This is the third mission China has publicly disclosed involving reusable experimental spacecraft. The first test took place in September 2020, with the spacecraft staying in orbit for just under two days. A second test began in August 2022, with the craft remaining in space for 276 days before returning to Earth in May 2023. Both earlier spacecraft, also launched by Long March 2F rockets, originated from Jiuquan, though details on whether the same type of spacecraft was used in each mission remain unclear.

Currently, only China and the United States have reusable spacecraft. The US pioneered this technology with its space shuttles in the 1970s, which remained operational for 30 years before being retired in 2011 due to various challenges. In recent years, advances in reusable spacecraft design, particularly in robotic spaceplanes like the Boeing X-37B, have sparked renewed interest due to their smaller size, reduced costs, and simplified operation.

China's state-owned space entities, including China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp and China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp, have been actively researching reusable technologies to enhance efficiency and lower operational costs. Both organizations share the goal of making reusable space vehicles a key aspect of the nation's space strategy.

A space industry expert, who chose to remain anonymous, emphasized the importance of reusable spacecraft for maintaining a leading position in the global space arena. "Such technologies are indispensable when you want to develop your own communications network as massive and capable as the Starlink (of SpaceX) or establish a rapid transport system between Earth and orbit," he said.