A satellite image reveals an enigmatic object on a remote runway in China, linked to the reusable space shuttle program.
A recent satellite image reveals a white object on a remote runway near Lop Nur, China. This base is associated with work on reusable space shuttles, similar to the American X-37B. The runway, over 5 kilometers long, is one of the longest in the world, and the facility has undergone significant expansion, including a new hangar. Although the object appears cylindrical with a wedge-shaped shadow, its exact nature remains unknown. This site illustrates China’s growing interest in reusable space shuttles, a strategic area for rapid satellite deployment and other military applications.
The strategic context of remote runways
The facilities near Lop Nur play a crucial role in China’s aerospace programs. With a 5,000-meter-long runway, this site is ideal for operations requiring precise landings, notably for reusable space shuttles. Such runways, far surpassing the standard dimensions of civilian airports (around 3,000 meters), enable the testing of large-scale machines, including both military and civilian prototypes.
In 2020, a Chinese space shuttle landed on this runway after 268 days in orbit, confirming the growing interest in reuse technologies. This type of program can considerably reduce launch costs, estimated at around €20,000 per kilogram with conventional launchers, compared with €2,000 to €5,000 for reusable shuttles.
Analysis of the identified object
The object observed on November 29, 2024, measuring around 9.7 meters in length, has a cylindrical silhouette with elements reminiscent of short wings. These features suggest that it could be an experimental shuttle model, similar to the American X-37B (length: 8.8 meters). If this hypothesis is correct, it would confirm China’s development of versatile space projection systems.
However, other scenarios include training equipment for ground personnel or static testing linked to wider aerospace projects.
Expansions and implications for research
Since 2020, satellite images show a steady expansion of the base’s infrastructure, notably with the addition of an imposing hangar. These investments reflect the strategic importance of this site, not only for space shuttles, but also for other military and scientific programs.
The advantages of reusable space shuttles include :
- Rapid deployment of satellites, essential for communications or earth observation.
- Military applications, such as reconnaissance or anti-satellite weapons testing.
- Greater flexibility for low-orbit missions.
Strategic consequences for defense and the space industry
China is investing heavily in space technologies and military capabilities. Reusable shuttles offer considerable advantages, particularly for countering enemy satellite systems. At the same time, Chinese progress in anti-ship missiles, capable of striking mobile targets such as aircraft carriers, demonstrates the synergy between land, sea and space capabilities.
These developments strengthen China’s position in global space competition, where mission costs and the ability to react rapidly to strategic challenges are crucial.
The sighting of an enigmatic object on this base illustrates China’s technological ambitions. Whether this object is related to a reusable shuttle or a static test, it underlines efforts to diversify and modernize space and military capabilities. This development needs to be watched closely, as it signals a shift in the global technological balance.
War Wings Daily is an independant magazine.