\n\n\n\nBoth interpretations of the test are plausible, though not equally \ncredible. I suspect that, as reported, China is following the Soviet Union\u2019s\n lead in developing a so-called fractional orbital bombardment system. \nBut I can\u2019t rule out the possibility that China is developing a space \nplane, like the United States\u2019 X-37B.\n Because tests of space planes and some orbital weapons could be \nindistinguishable, determining China\u2019s intentions is difficult. In fact,\n it is even possible that China tested a technology demonstrator with \nmultiple potential applications.
Listened to Jeffrey Lewis and he repatedly made the point that if you load a nuke in a space shuttle it\u2019s a hypersonic FOBS, gotta wonder if there are any plans to to stick a nuke in a X-37b.
This was explicitly part of the appeal of the Shuttle program (also, and perhaps more politically palatable, it could orbit-insert surveillance satellites in ways not as limited and predictable as direct ballistic launch from known sites). This is why on (non-classified) missions it orbited with its bay open and visible to Soviet monitoring on the ground, like displaying your open hands
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