Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges faced by NASA's "Dreamer" small spaceplane project, highlighting its failure to meet expectations and contrasting it with China's advancements in aerospace technology, particularly the "Haolong" spaceplane project [1][3][12]. Group 1: NASA's "Dreamer" Spaceplane - NASA has decided to abandon its expectations for the "Dreamer" spaceplane to supply the International Space Station (ISS), limiting it to a single demonstration flight opportunity [1][10]. - The "Dreamer" was intended to be part of a diversified supply network for the ISS but has not completed any orbital flights in nine years since the contract was signed in 2016 [10][15]. - The project is seen as a significant setback for NASA, which has lost valuable time and momentum in the small spaceplane exploration sector [3][10]. Group 2: Historical Context of Spaceplanes - The article reflects on the historical challenges of previous spaceplane programs, such as the complexity and high costs associated with the Space Shuttle program, which ultimately did not fulfill its promise of making space travel routine [5][6]. - The failures of both the U.S. Space Shuttle and the Soviet "Buran" highlight the pitfalls of attempting to create overly complex systems that combine multiple functions into a single vehicle [7][9]. Group 3: Comparison with China's "Haolong" - China's "Haolong" spaceplane, although still in the conceptual and experimental stages, is positioned as a more viable option due to China's existing capabilities in cargo transport to the space station [12][13]. - The "Haolong" project benefits from China's robust aerospace infrastructure, including the successful operation of the Long March rocket series and reusable spacecraft [12][13]. - The potential military applications of small spaceplanes, such as the U.S. Air Force's X-37B, suggest that smaller, more flexible space vehicles could play a significant role in future strategic operations [12][13]. Group 4: Future Implications - The article suggests that the failure of the "Dreamer" project leaves the U.S. with limited options as the ISS is set to retire in 2030, while China is poised to take the lead in the small spaceplane sector [15]. - The success of China's "Haolong" could signify a shift in the strategic landscape of space exploration, emphasizing the importance of small, reusable vehicles for both civilian and military applications [15].