A China-operated robotic load-carrying rockets, also known as a spaceplane, has introduced a new element of mystery into its space endeavours by releasing six unidentified objects into Earth’s orbit during its third mission on December 14, as per a report by Gizmodo.
Designated as OBJECT A, B, C, D, E, and F by the US Department of Defense (NORAD TLE designations 58573 to 58577, and 58581), these objects were launched from a spaceplane called Shenlong, also known as the “Divine Dragon,” and is currently under observation by the US Space Force and amateur astronomers.
Amateur astronomer and satellite tracker Scott Tilley, who has been closely monitoring the objects, shared his findings with Space.com. OBJECT A has emitted signals reminiscent of past Chinese spaceplane missions, specifically the “wingman” emissions, characterized by limited data modulation.
This suggests a potential link to China’s previous space activities. Notably, OBJECTs D and E have emitted intermittent “placeholder” signals lacking data, raising questions about their purpose and function.
Tilley noted that this iteration of the Chinese spaceplane mission while launching into a similar orbit as previous missions, is displaying different radio behaviour. He stated, “The additional observations of the emissions from OBJECT D and E is new, but could also have been missed on earlier missions if they too were intermittent.”
Observers are advised to monitor for close encounters between OBJECT A, in a near-circular orbit, and OBJECTs D and E, which are in elliptical orbits. Such encounters are expected during their perigee, the nearest point in their orbits.
This isn’t the first time Shenlong has released unknown objects into orbit. Similar occurrences took place during previous spaceplane missions in September 2020 and August 2022.
Speculation suggests these objects could serve as service modules, inspector satellites for spacecraft tracking, or test items for orbital placement. In November of the preceding year, another mystery object, likely a service module, was released during a spaceplane mission to aid in the spacecraft’s return to Earth.
While China conducts these activities, the United States has its own reusable robotic spaceplane, the Boeing-built X-37B. The U.S. Space Force plans to launch the X-37B aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket on December 28, following several delays.
(With inputs from agencies)
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