China's mysterious space plane makes its third mission

China's mysterious space plane has been captured on camera by satellite watcher Felix Schfbänker from Upper.

The Shenlong isn't the only experimental space plane currently conducting secretive missions above Earth.

The UN Outer Space Treaty of 1967 says nowhere in space can be claimed by any one nation. The UN Moon Agreement of 1979 says space should be used for peaceful purposes only.

China has been rapidly expanding its space program in recent years, and the launch of the Shenlong is a sign of the country's growing ambitions. China is now one of the few countries that have the capability to launch humans into space, and it is likely that the Shenlong will be used to support China's plans for a permanent human presence in orbit.

The launch of the Shenlong has also raised concerns about the militarization of space. The space plane is believed to be capable of carrying weapons, and it could be used to attack satellites or other spacecraft.

The launch of the Shenlong is a reminder that space is becoming increasingly contested. The United States and China are the two leading space powers, and they are likely to compete for dominance in the coming years.