In an eventful mission spanning 268 days, the Chinese spaceplane, named Shenlong, successfully completed its third flight, primarily focused on developing the experimental vehicle. The secretive mission, conducted by China's space program, aimed to test the spacecraft's reusable technology and conduct space-based science experiments.

According to local media reports, Shenlong touched down late Thursday at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert. The landing occurred at its designated site, a dried-up lakebed in the Xinjiang Autonomous Region known as Lop Nur, around 9:10 p.m. ET. Astrophysicist and space tracker, Jonathan McDowell, reported the successful landing on the southeastern portion of Xinjiang.

Little information has been disclosed regarding the size or payload capacity of China's reusable spaceplane. However, astrophotographer captured images earlier in August, offering a glimpse of the spacecraft in orbit. Though the images were fuzzy, they revealed potential solar panels attached to the spacecraft's tail-end. Based on the images, the spaceplane appeared to be around 30 feet (10 meters) in length.

The spacecraft was launched on December 14, 2023, aboard a Long March 2F carrier rocket. Shortly after launch, Shenlong released six mysterious objects into orbit, emitting various signals. Further into the mission in May, an unidentified object was discharged, indicating the likely completion of its mission.

The Shenlong spaceplane's inaugural flight took place in 2021, lasting only two days in orbit before landing back on Earth. Its second flight occurred in August 2022, spending an impressive 276 days in Earth's orbit.

Developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, a state-owned manufacturer responsible for both civilian and military space launch vehicles, Shenlong bears similarities to its U.S. counterpart, the Boeing X-37. The X-37, operated by the Space Force, recently embarked on its seventh mission, which is yet to conclude. Notably, the X-37 holds the record for the longest-duration mission, spending 908 days in space during its sixth flight.

While China did not surpass its previous record of time spent in orbit, the focus appears to be on the spaceplane's reusability to bolster the nation's access to orbit. As China's space ambitions continue to grow, the true test will lie in the timing of the spaceplane's next launch.

The completion of the secretive third mission signifies an important milestone in China's pursuit of space exploration and technology. With each flight, the nation edges closer to establishing itself as a significant player in the space race, fostering new possibilities and advancements in the field.