China’s Mysterious Space Plane Exposed in New Pentagon Images
Summary
A new Pentagon report includes a high-resolution image of China’s Shenlong space plane attached to an unidentified satellite, with its payload bay doors open. The spacecraft is on its fourth mission, but China has not disclosed its objectives; observers have reported it releasing objects into orbit, though there is no confirmation it has interfered with other spacecraft.Key Facts
- The Defense Intelligence Agency published the image in a report on threats to U.S. security in space.
- Vantor’s WorldView-3 satellite took the image in 2024 from about 56 miles away, at a resolution of 1.8 inches per pixel.
- Shenlong has been on orbital missions since 2020 and launched its fourth mission in February 2026, according to the article.
- LeoLabs said it detected an object near Shenlong in June and assessed with high confidence that the space plane released it.
- Observers have reported object releases during earlier Shenlong missions, and its 2023 mission may have included close-approach operations with another spacecraft.
- Close-approach operations can support satellite inspection or servicing, but may also have military uses.
- China says its program is intended to develop reusable spaceflight technology.
- The United States also operates a reusable robotic space plane, the Boeing-built X-37B, through the U.S. Space Force.
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