US Intelligence Agency Publishes First Clear Orbital Image of China's Shenlong Reusable Spaceplane
What happened
On October 26, 2026, the US Defense Intelligence Agency released the first clear public image of China’s secretive Shenlong reusable spaceplane operating in orbit.
The Context
* Orbital confirmation: Captured in 2024 by a commercial Maxar satellite, the unclassified photo confirms Shenlong's architecture, revealing delta wings, twin vertical tails, payload bay doors, and an attached service module with deployed solar arrays. * Dual-track development: The design closely parallels the US military's X-37B robotic craft, highlighting parallel advances in reusable spaceflight capable of multi-month missions and complex maneuvers. * Persistent orbital activity: Launched on its fourth mission in February 2026, the spacecraft continues active operations following previous long-duration flights lasting 276 and 268 days.
The Number
— the count of unidentified objects deployed by Shenlong across its orbital missions over the past four years, signaling advanced capabilities in autonomous payload handling in low Earth orbit.
Takeaway
Expect commercial satellite networks and tracking operators to expand continuous surveillance as reusable orbital vehicles normalize regular payload deployments.
Scientific discoveries, health, technology, and natural phenomena.
"Live Science reports on scientific discoveries, health, technology, and natural phenomena with a popular science tone."
— A47 Editor
First clear image of China's mysterious 'divine dragon' space plane revealed in US government report
The U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency's latest "Challenges to Security in Space" report included a declassified satellite photo of China's Shenlong, or "divine dragon," space plane, which has released at least nine mysterious payloads into low Earth o...
Space science news, astronomy updates, and spaceflight developments.
"Space.com delivers space science news, astronomy updates, and spaceflight developments with engaging coverage."
— A47 Editor
China's secretive space plane caught on camera in incredible new photo released by US military
A U.S. military intelligence agency has released a new photograph of China's secretive space plane, showing it docked to another spacecraft in orbit. The image adds to limited public information about a program that has been shrouded in secrecy.
News in science and technology, with a focus on consumer and innovation stories.
"Popular Science simplifies complex scientific topics for general audiences and celebrates innovation."
— A47 Editor
China’s super-secret space plane visible in clearest photo yet
The U.S. government quietly released a clear photograph of China's secretive space plane in a recent unclassified report, according to Popular Science. The image provides one of the clearest views yet of the program, which has been shrouded in secrec...