China has revealed the Haolong, a new reusable space shuttle designed to transport cargo to and from its Tiangong space station.

Developed by the Chengdu Aircraft Design and Research Institute, the Haolong shuttle is part of a push for low-cost, reusable spacecraft that can return cargo to Earth, unlike the current Tianzhou spacecraft.

The 32.8-foot shuttle will be launched by a rocket, land on a runway, and undergo inspections before performing subsequent missions, Space.com has reported.

With a high lift-to-drag ratio and a blend of spacecraft and aircraft features, the Haolong is designed to enhance cargo transport to Tiangong as China plans to expand its space station.

Written by B.C. Begley