China's Shenlong Spaceplane Photographed in Orbit, Resembles US X-37B

In brief

• A commercial satellite captured an image of China's Shenlong spaceplane in orbit, revealing design details like delta wings and solar panels.
• The US Defense Intelligence Agency confirmed the photograph shows an experimental, reusable Chinese spaceplane.
• The US intelligence report noted that China possesses two such vehicles.
• The exact mission and purpose of the Shenlong craft are not publicly known, though experts suggest multiple potential uses.

Satellite Image Details Shenlong Design

A commercial satellite operated by Vantor, formerly Maxar Technologies, captured an image of China's Shenlong spaceplane while it was in orbit (Jest zdjęcie. Tak wygląda tajny chiński samolot kosmiczny na orbicie – WP Tech). The photograph shows delta-shaped wings, a cargo bay door, and a rear service module equipped with solar panels. The general configuration of the craft closely mirrors the X-37B used by the US Air Force (Tajemniczy pojazd Chin krąży nad Ziemią. Tyle pytań, żadnych odpowiedzi – Geekweek Interia).

US Intelligence Confirms Object Identity

The US Defense Intelligence Agency confirmed that the picture, which first surfaced in 2024, depicts an experimental, reusable Chinese spaceplane. A clearer version of the image was included in the agency's report titled "Challenges to Security in Space 2026" (Tak wygląda chiński samolot kosmiczny. Wywiad USA potwierdza – Onet). The report indicated that US intelligence possessed information suggesting China has two such vehicles.

Mission Purpose Remains Speculative

Information from The War Zone states that the precise model and intended use of the craft are currently unknown. Based on its aerodynamic structure, experts suggest these types of aircraft could be employed for various purposes, such as transporting payloads into orbit, conducting scientific research, or performing military or intelligence operations. Both US and Chinese military entities seldom reveal the activities of their spaceplanes during missions that can extend over several months.

Operational History

China has conducted four spaceplane missions since 2020, and the most recent flight has been ongoing since February. Beijing has not released data on the total number of units it has built or the objective of the current flight.