57. Chinese rocket 'Haolong' to be the future of transportation
China has unveiled its exciting new spaceplane-type rocket, called the Haolong. Thought to be the successor to NASA's Space Shuttle, this rocket will carry cargo to and from China's Tiangong Space Station.
Above: Haolong spacecraft making it's way out to space. Image from Space.com
The Haolong looks familiar, doesn’t it? That’s because it’s a redesign of NASA’s famous Space Shuttle, which retired in 2011. However, it is far more advanced and fuel-efficient. First off, it features V-shaped wings, which provide greater stability, and it boasts a much stronger design. Unlike the Space Shuttle, it doesn’t have windows, a change that strengthens the hull of the vehicle.
The Haolong is compact yet practical. It measures about 10 meters in length with a wingspan of 8 meters. It has roughly half the mass of the Tianzhou cargo module and, compared to the Space Shuttle, is about a quarter of the length and half the wingspan!
But the Haolong isn’t just about redesigning an old idea—it’s about rethinking how we approach space travel entirely. One of its most exciting features is its fully robotic operation. While the Space Shuttle required a skilled crew to fly it, the Haolong relies on advanced AI and remote controls, enabling it to perform precision docking with the Tiangong Space Station effortlessly. This makes the spacecraft more versatile and reduces the risks associated with human error. It’s a smart move that aligns with the growing trend of automated space exploration.
Finally, the Haolong represents a major milestone in China's growing dominance in space exploration. It’s not just about the technology—it’s about what the spacecraft symbolizes. As the world watches China’s ambitious space program expand, the Haolong serves as a reminder that the future of space travel is being shaped by global players. It’s an exciting time for humanity as a whole, as we collectively take steps toward the stars. With the Haolong leading the way, China is undoubtedly setting the stage for the next era of reusable spacecraft.
Until next time, Give Me Space!
Henry
Thanks for this article on the Haolong, an interesting space vehicle
A very interesting article Henry.
I understood that body of he comet warmed as it got nearer the sun causing the ice to evaporate and that this cloud of gas was pushed away by the solar wind meaning that the visible tail points away from the sun rather than trail behind the comet. This ice is lost into space and the comet gradually decreases in mass
Great article, Henry.