China has discreetly launched a spacecraft that has deployed six unidentified objects into Earth’s orbit

China’s reusable space plane, known as Shenlong or “Divine Dragon,” has deepened its aura of mystery during its third mission, just four days after launch. Amateur astronomers and spacecraft trackers globally have been keenly observing the spacecraft since its takeoff and have recently reported that the Chinese spacecraft has discharged six unidentified objects into Earth’s orbit. Their purpose remains unknown.

These objects, referred to as OBJECT A, B, C, D, E, and F by the trackers, have been detected emitting signals. Scott Tilley, an amateur astronomer recognized for his satellite tracking skills, has been meticulously following these objects. Tilley described the objects as “mysterious wingmen” and noted that the emissions from OBJECT A, or an object close to it, are similar to those observed in previous missions of the Chinese space plane. However, these signals are intermittent and not constant.

Space.com reports that Tilley and his fellow trackers believe the emissions are emanating from these objects, based on their expected trajectories, the lack of other known objects during the time of data collection, and the unique modulation pattern. This pattern, according to Tilley, has previously been observed only in Chinese space plane missions.

Tilley pointed out that while this mission’s orbit is similar to the previous ones, its radio behavior differs. He also mentioned the possibility of upcoming close encounters between OBJECT A and OBJECTS D and E, as D and E are in elliptical orbits and A is in a near-circular orbit.

China’s space plane has shown similar behavior in its past missions, which took place in September 2020 and August 2022, where it also released unknown objects into orbit. There has been speculation about the nature of these objects, ranging from service modules to small satellites intended for monitoring the space plane.