China has reportedly made new progress in its efforts to become a space industry superpower. Officials announced this week that they have taken a very important step forward in the country's plans to develop its own space aircraft that can deliver payloads into orbit at a significantly lower cost when compared to the space shuttle.
According to the China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics, the country's proposed two-part aerospace plane has successfully done various wind tunnel tests that have proven the feasibility and functionality of its separation system at extremely high speeds and altitude.
Instead of using a rocket, like most other space-capable vehicles, China's aerospace aircraft will be launching from an airport like any conventional aircraft. Chinese scientists believe that this is a much safer and cost-effective approach to launching cargo and people into space.
After reaching a set altitude, a separate aircraft that was placed on the back of the larger vehicle will separate and continue on a different trajectory.
Both vehicles will reportedly be capable of returning back to earth and can be reused multiple times. Similar to Space X's reusable rockets, the recoverability of the vehicles will significantly lower the costs of getting cargo and people into space.
An online post from the subsidiary of the state-owned contractor China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation mentioned that its experimental aerospace plane should allow China to further develop its aerospace capabilities for future applications.
The technology it is developing is apparently a fusion of aeronautics and astronautics. According to the materials that were released, which included graphics and illustrations of the proposed aerospace aircraft, the vessel will apparently be able to carry heavier payloads than the space shuttle.
Due to its ability to be easily launched at minimal cost, China plans to use its spaceplane to conduct transport missions to space stations, launch emergency rescue missions, and even to ferry space tourists in the near future.
Plans to build China's first aerospace vehicle was originally announced last year by the president of the Third Academy of China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation, Zhang Hongwen. The purpose of the project is to directly compete with other global superpowers and join them in the race to develop space technologies.
The decision to conduct its own development of space technologies was likely prompted by the United States' aggressive push to advance its own space programs. The US previously stated it sees space as a critical and strategic domain that requires its full attention.
US President Donald Trump recently approved the establishment of a separate Space Force aimed at protecting the country's assets in space. China followed suit with the establishment of its own space force called the Strategic Support Force.
