China’s spacecraft releases six unidentified objects in Earth's orbit sparking space warfare specula

Launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on December 14, the Chinese spaceplane, named Shenlong, has placed these objects in Earth's orbit. Amateur spacecraft trackers have confirmed the existence of the objects, designated A, B, C, D, E, and F. 

Amateur astronomer Scott Tilley noted that some objects, dubbed "mysterious wingmen," are transmitting signals, space.com reported. As per the report, object A sends small data amounts, while Objects D and E emit intermittent "placeholder" signals. The fact that the objects are on different orbits hints at potential transmissions or interactions between them. 

The Shenlong, in its previous missions, deployed small objects, sparking speculations about monitoring satellites or experimental payloads. As space becomes a contested environment, the Shenlong may be maturing, engaging in more ambitious experiments, including on-orbit manipulation and disruptive capabilities against other satellites.  

Potential manipulation and retrieval  

While details about the spacecraft's design and technologies remain elusive, extensive signal analysis suggests that Shenlong could not only place objects in orbit but also retrieve and manipulate them. This capability could allow China to keep intelligence-gathering satellites in orbit for extended periods before recovery and potential reuse. 

The Shenlong, or a similar vehicle, could serve as a valuable intelligence-gathering asset. Further developments might lead to its use in transporting cargo or personnel over vast distances at remarkable speeds, a concept also explored by the U.S. military. 

U.S. Space Force's vigilance 

The U.S. Space Force closely monitors orbital warfare, especially with China's increasing role. In 2021, the U.S. Space Force confirmed China's involvement in launching "reversible attacks" on U.S. satellites daily. A spaceplane like Shenlong could expand these missions, prompting speculation about the objects released being linked to exploring such capabilities.

The delayed seventh mission of the X-37B adds intrigue to Shenlong's recent launch. Set to launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, the X-37B mission, now planned for no earlier than December 28, raises questions about potential coordination or competition in space activities between China and the U.S.