Recently, China has revealed an ambitious project that has captured global attention: a “space aircraft carrier” named Luanniao, which, according to simulations shown on state television, could become larger than any existing warship and weigh up to 120,000 tons. The craft is part of a defense system called NanTianMen (Southern Gate of Heaven), designed to integrate aerial and space capabilities into a single futuristic platform.
According to computer-generated images, the Luanniao would measure 242 meters in length with a wingspan of 684 meters, and would be equipped with unmanned fighter aircraft capable of launching hypersonic missiles from Earth’s orbit. Although these depictions look like something straight out of a science-fiction movie, the project symbolizes China’s ambition to expand its military and technological reach beyond Earth.
International experts point out that the technology required to build a structure of this magnitude is still far from practical reality, leading some to believe the announcement has both political and technological motivations.
Is this space aircraft carrier a real project or just a symbolic concept?
While the projected design is impressive, current launch and energy technologies make the actual construction of such a vessel extremely difficult and still largely hypothetical.
https://x.com/PLA_MilitaryUpd/status/2011229776573509693?s=20