Recent high-resolution satellite imagery reveals China’s development of a reusable spaceplane closely paralleling the U.S. X-37B program, underscoring Beijing’s advancing capabilities in experimental unmanned spaceflight and the strategic competition in orbital technologies.
China is developing a space-based control system for its high-speed rail network using low Earth orbit satellites, aiming to enhance resilience against terrestrial disruptions. However, cybersecurity vulnerabilities and geopolitical concerns arise as this technology could extend Chinese influence over critical infrastructure abroad.
China has achieved a significant technological milestone in reusable launch vehicles with the successful maiden flight of the Long March 10B, employing a novel sea-based net capture system for first stage recovery that diverges from SpaceX’s vertical landing approach.
