posted 06-08-2024 07:25 AM               

Space Cover 757: China's Shenlong space plane

In 2024 some new spacecraft are planned to make its inaugural space flight or already did it. So, it is time to learn new rocket’s names without forgetting others may not be so well known but really important now and for sure in the future.

And Shenlong is the name for this post.

Shenlong is the first reusable experimental spacecraft produced by China. A very secret and military spacecraft, similar to American X-37B, launched in vertical position inside the Long March 2F rocket like a traditional rocket but returns to Earth landing in a runways like a plane.

Above cover is cancelled May 8, 2023 in Right Banner of Alxa League, Inner Mongolia marking the landing of Shenlong in its second mission after 276 days into space. No activities were reported by China government. So, what Shenlong does meanwhile in orbit is still a mystery.

First time Shenlong was launched into space by a Long March 2F rocket from Jiuquan SLC was in Sep 04, 2020 and returned to Earth just two days later.

For this second launch, again a Long March 2F from JSLC in Aug 5, 2022 put the Shenlong into Earth orbit for 276 days until landing in Inner Mongolia past May 8. 2023.

And currently another Shenlong is in orbit. Launched past Dec 14, 2023 from JSLC with no more information.

Obviously, if no information is given to general public, no flown covers have been seen in the philatelic market. Maybe in the future.

Please, if you have any Shenlong cover be so kind to share its image with cS community. Thanks.