US Releases Image of China’s Reusable Spaceplane

The U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) released a higher-resolution orbital image of a Chinese reusable spaceplane in its Challenges to Security in Space 2026 report on 26 October 2026. Maxar Technologies, now known as Vantor, captured the image on 28 May 2024. The DIA has not identified which Chinese spaceplane model appears in it.

Spaceplane design and image details

The spacecraft has a shuttle-like shape, small wings, two vertical tails and an open central payload bay. Solar panels are deployed at its rear. The image also contains a second satellite docked to the spaceplane, but that satellite’s identity is unknown. The Chinese vehicle’s overall design resembles the U.S. X-37B, operated by the U.S. Space Force, while its wing chords appear wider. Public descriptions have associated the vehicle with Shenlong, meaning “divine dragon”, but the image does not establish its identity.

A spaceplane is a spacecraft designed to operate in orbit and return to Earth using a winged vehicle. Reusable spacecraft can be used across multiple missions, unlike vehicles designed for a single use.

China’s reusable spaceplane programme

China has conducted four known orbital missions with its experimental reusable spacecraft since 2020. Its third known mission ran from 14 December 2023 to 6 September 2024 and included the release of several smaller objects into space. The latest known mission began on 7 February 2026, and the spacecraft was reported to remain in orbit. Shenlong and Tengyun are the two Chinese spaceplane programmes named in the DIA assessment; the model in the image remains unidentified.

Orbital operations and surveillance satellites

The DIA assessment describes spaceplanes as capable of carrying objects into orbit, testing them and returning to Earth. It also notes that reusability and manoeuvrability could support intelligence gathering and close-range operations involving other spacecraft. The image does not establish that the Chinese vehicle carries weapons or has conducted an offensive mission. The assessment states that China’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance satellite constellation has grown more than threefold since 2018 to over 510 satellites.

Important Facts for Exams

:

• The U.S. Space Force operates the X-37B.
• Shenlong means “divine dragon”.
• China’s third known spaceplane mission lasted from 14 December 2023 to 6 September 2024.
• China’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance satellite constellation exceeded 510 satellites in the DIA assessment.

The DIA report was released on 26 October 2026. The image does not identify the Chinese spaceplane model or the satellite docked to it.