Chinese secret space plane landed after 267 days in orbit.

Chinese reusable space plane returned to Earth after the third mission

Chinese experimental reusable space plane completed its third orbital mission after 267 days in orbit. This was reported by Spaсenews.

State media confirmed the return of the plane to Earth, but did not provide any information about the mission and the landing.

China kept the mission secret, not publishing any images or descriptions. Chinese reports noted that this spacecraft was designed to test reusable technologies and conduct space science experiments.

«The success of the experiment demonstrates the maturity of Chinese reusable spacecraft technologies, which will pave the way for more convenient and affordable methods to and from for the peaceful use of space in the future» - the report says.

China launched the spacecraft on December 14 from the Jiuquan spaceport on a Long March 2F rocket. This event took place two weeks before the launch of the American space plane X-37B on a Falcon Heavy rocket.

Astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell indicated that the spacecraft could have landed around 21:10 Eastern Time on September 5. Maneuvers of the ship in orbit were also recorded.

The final landing marks the end of the plane's third mission. Its duration was 267 days, which was similar to the second mission lasting 276 days. The first flight took place in 2020 and lasted two days.

China plans to send a mission to Mars in 2028 with the goal of obtaining samples from the Red Planet and delivering them to Earth.