Just four days after its launch, a Chinese spacecraft has become the object of intense scrutiny, having launched six mysterious objects into orbit around the Earth. These satellites have aroused interest not only among astronomers, but also among amateur space observers, who are now actively studying their movements and features. The strange spacecraft are designated as OBJECT A, B, C, D, E, and F. They have already become objects of in-depth analysis and debate among experts.
According to Scott Tilley, a well-known amateur satellite observer, OBJECT A emits signals that are similar to those recorded during previous missions of the Chinese spaceplane. In an interview with the South China Morning Post, the amateur said that he had detected signals from the object that were becoming more powerful over North America. Scott speculated that this behavior could indicate signals being transmitted to a clandestine ground station on the west coast of North America or to a spy warship off the US coast. This speculation is sparking serious discussion and creating intrigue in space circles and among astronomy enthusiasts.
We have confirmation of S-band signals from the 3rd Chinese 'spaceplane' mission.
— Scott Tilley 🇺🇦 (@coastal8049) December 17, 2023
However, this time the 'mysterious wingman' emitter is only sending signals intermittently but it is fading deeply like earlier missions. 🧵⬇️ pic.twitter.com/lD2YtQYaFw
According to the amateur astronomer, the objects labeled D and E are emitting blank radio signals. Object B is very bright and may actually be the upper stage of the Long March 2F rocket that lifted the spacecraft into orbit, according to an update from the Swiss space research group S2a Systems. That is why objects C and F could be pieces of rocket debris, as they are relatively dim and irregularly shaped.
The third secret spacecraft mission from China
This is the third time that a secret spaceplane from China has placed objects in Earth orbit. During its first mission in 2020, it released one object during a two-day trip. During its second flight last year, the US Space Force tracked another object released by the spacecraft.
The exact nature of the missions associated with the Chinese spaceplane, as well as those of the U.S. X-37B spaceplane, remain unknown and are behind a thick veil of mystery that has yet to be unraveled.
According to the state-run Xinhua news agency, we still do not know what China is trying to achieve with the flights of the secret spaceplane, other than testing reusable technologies and conducting scientific experiments. Only time will tell the true nature and purpose of these secret flights and the mysterious objects in Earth’s orbit, which are undoubtedly worth keeping a close eye on.
Earlier, we reported on how a Chinese startup will provide hypersonic vehicles with satellite communications.
Based on the materials of scmp.com
