A Chinese secret spaceplane has launched a “mysterious object” into Earth’s orbit.

Updated May 29, 2024, 02:44 CEST

As first noticed by astronomer Jonathan McDowell of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, a secret Chinese spaceplane launched a mysterious object into an Earth object. The unidentified object, which was ejected 572 miles above the surface on May 24, is currently being monitored. However, its purpose is unknown. McDowell, who also tracks space objects, speculates it could be a subsatellite deployment.

China has thrown a mysterious object into Earth’s orbit. (Image source: Unsplash)

ChinaAs first noticed by astronomer Jonathan McDowell of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, a secret spaceplane launched a mysterious object into an Earth object. The unidentified object, which was ejected 572 miles above the surface on May 24, is currently being monitored. However, its purpose is unknown.

McDowell, who also tracks space objects, speculates it could be a subsatellite deployment or piece of equipment. Beijing has not yet issued an official statement confirming the existence of the “mysterious object”.

“The new object (59884/2023-195G) was cataloged and associated with the Chinese CSSHQ spaceplane in an orbit of 602 x 608 km x 50.0 degrees. It appears to have been kicked out around 19:00 UTC on May 24,” McDowell said on the X platform formerly known as Twitter.

The Harvard astrophysicist further added that “This object could be a subsatellite deployment or a piece of equipment ejected before mission termination and deorbitation.”

“It will be interesting to see whether the plane will maneuver or land soon,” he said. China has been largely silent on the spaceplane issue. He stated that its goal was to provide “technical support for the peaceful uses of outer space.”

The space plane was launched a day after the United States removed the flight of its “spy” plane. “It’s probably no coincidence that they’re trying to match us in timing and sequencing,” the Daily Mail quoted General Chance Saltzman, the Space Force’s chief of space operations, as saying.

Amateur astronomer Scott Tilley in December tracked a Chinese spaceplane that launched six objects into space. He stated that he believed the signals were directed to a ground station or boat near British Columbia, Canada.