Mystery surrounds China’s launch of reusable experimental spacecraft
- Those attending launch in Inner Mongolia warned not to film the lift-off or discuss the project
- One source hints there may be similarities with America’s X-37B, a reusable space plane that operates like a mini-shuttle
China has successfully launched a reusable experimental spacecraft, the official news agency Xinhua reported on Friday.
The vessel was launched with a Long March-2F rocket from the Jiuquan satellite centre in Inner Mongolia on Friday and is scheduled to return to the landing site after orbiting the earth for a period.
Xinhua reported that the spacecraft will test reusable technologies during its flight “providing technological support for the peaceful use of space”.
The latest mission was shrouded in secrecy. A copy of an official memo circulating on social media warned staff and visitors to the launch site not to film the lift-off or discuss it online.
The document also said “all units should strengthen personnel security education and personnel management during missions to ensure that there is no leakage of secrets.”
A military source confirmed the authenticity of the document, saying: “There are many firsts in this launch. The spacecraft is new, the launch method is also different. That’s why we need to make sure there is extra security.”
