A Chinese experimental reusable spacecraft has completed a new milestone by returning to Earth after finishing its third mission. This update comes from Space News coverage on the program.
Industry observers note the craft spent 267 days in space, making the third mission shorter by nine days compared with the second flight. The first mission had a much shorter duration, lasting only two days.
Reports from the official news agency describe the third flight as successful and free of complications, though additional mission details and photographs captured during the operation were not released to the public.
In July 2024, researchers from the scientific journal Journal of Deep Space Exploration discussed China’s plans to attempt the first orbital adjustment of an asteroid through an impact, aiming for construction of such a capability by 2030. The target under consideration was the near Earth object 2015 XF261, a rock roughly 30 meters across.
From the material it is clear that this asteroid last approached Earth on July 9, then traveled roughly 50 million kilometers away and achieved a velocity around 42,000 kilometers per hour.
Earlier statements from Chinese officials hinted at a possible timeline for civilian spaceflight experiences, indicating tourism flights could begin in the near future.