A strange, white-colored object has been spotted on a remote airstrip in northwestern China, near the Lop Nur nuclear test site. This airfield, known for its ties to China’s secretive spaceplane program, is stirring curiosity once again. Recent satellite images, taken on November 29 by Planet Labs, show the object at the southwestern end of the runway, accompanied by several smaller vehicles and support equipment. But what exactly is it?
A Closer Look at the Airstrip
The airfield features a massive runway over 16,400 feet long – that’s more than 3 miles, making it one of the longest in the world. This isn’t just any airstrip. Over the years, it has seen significant upgrades, including a large hangar and an expanded main apron. Rows of vehicles line the apron, suggesting ongoing activity.
At the end of the runway, the mysterious object appears broadly cylindrical, with a wedge-shaped shadow that hints at short, stubby wings. Measuring about 32 feet in length, it’s roughly the size of the U.S. Space Force’s X-37B spaceplanes. Could it be China’s version of this high-tech craft?
Ties to Spaceplane Programs
This isn’t the first time the airstrip near Lop Nur has been linked to reusable spaceplanes. In September 2020, China announced the successful return of an “experimental reusable spacecraft” after a mission in orbit. Satellite images taken days later showed signs of activity at the same airfield, fueling speculation about a secret spaceplane program.
China’s spaceplane ambitions reportedly include designs similar to the X-37B, which can stay in orbit for long durations and potentially serve military purposes, such as satellite deployment or reconnaissance. If the object in the November 29 images is related to this program, it could represent a test article, a training exercise, or even a new prototype.
Could It Be Something Else?
While the shape and size of the object fit the profile of a spaceplane, there’s no official confirmation. The object’s position on the runway doesn’t align with typical post-mission procedures, such as servicing or fuel removal. This raises questions about its purpose.
It’s also possible the object is entirely unrelated to spaceplanes. A runway of this size and location could support various aerospace activities, from testing new aircraft to experimenting with advanced technologies far from public view.
Why It Matters
China’s interest in reusable spaceplanes is no secret. These advanced vehicles could play a crucial role in military operations, enabling rapid satellite deployment, space-based surveillance, or even anti-satellite missions. The U.S. and other nations have similar programs, and the competition for dominance in space is heating up.
What makes this latest sighting intriguing is the sheer mystery surrounding it. Despite China’s progress in aerospace technology, actual images of their spaceplanes remain scarce. The last notable public sighting was in 2007 when a test model called “Shenlong” was spotted under the wing of a bomber.
The Bigger Picture
Adding to the intrigue, the November 29 sighting coincided with other unusual activity in the region. Around the same time, a warning notice to pilots highlighted an area southwest of the airstrip, where satellite images revealed large-scale targets shaped like U.S. Navy warships. One of these targets, shaped like an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, appeared to have been struck by a weapon.
China has been actively developing long-range anti-ship missiles and other technologies to challenge naval forces, particularly those of the United States. The connection between these events and the object at Lop Nur remains unclear, but it points to broader advancements in China’s military and aerospace capabilities.
The Mystery Continues
So, what is this object? A new spaceplane? A test vehicle? Something else entirely? For now, the answers remain hidden behind the walls of secrecy surrounding the Lop Nur airfield.
What’s clear is that this remote desert airstrip isn’t just a piece of infrastructure – it’s a hub for cutting-edge aerospace experiments that could shape the future of technology and military strategy. As the world watches, this mysterious object has become another piece of the puzzle in China’s quest for space dominance.
