China on Saturday launched the latest mission of its reusable experimental spacecraft – a potential rival to the US Space Force’s X-37B.It was China’s fourth launch of such a prototype spacecraft since 2020, all of them conducted at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre using the Long March-2F carrier rocket.

The official name and technical specifications of the spacecraft have yet to be announced, but Chinese space fans have dubbed it the Shenlong, or “Divine Dragon”.

State news agency Xinhua described the latest launch as another planned round of “technology verification” for China’s reusable spacecraft programme.

The experiment will provide technical support for “the peaceful use of outer space”, Xinhua said, without giving further details.

China’s first reusable experimental spacecraft was launched on September 4, 2020, and successfully returned to its designated landing site after two days in orbit.