China on Saturday launched its latest reusable experimental spacecraft, potentially rivaling the U.S. Space Force’s X-37B.

This marks China’s fourth such mission since 2020, all flown from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre using Long March-2F rockets, with the spacecraft unofficially nicknamed Shenlong (“Divine Dragon”).

Previous missions demonstrated long-duration orbits, improved thermal shielding, power management, and capabilities like releasing small objects and performing rendezvous and proximity operations, suggesting potential satellite servicing or counter-space uses.

Some Western observers also speculate the craft could function as a mobile signals intelligence (SIGINT) platform, the South China Morning Post has reported.

Meanwhile, the U.S. continues leading in reusable spacecraft, with the X-37B testing advanced sensors, inter-satellite laser links, and aerobraking maneuvers for extended, GPS-independent operations.