US Defense Intelligence Agency Releases Rare Image of China's Secretive Shenlong Space Plane

The US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) has released a rare photograph showing China's secretive Shenlong space plane attached to another spacecraft in orbit with its cargo compartment open. According to reported information, the image was captured in May 2024 from about 90 kilometres away by a US satellite and published in the DIA's Challenges to Security in Space report.

Key Details from the Released Image

• Capture Date and Source: Photographed in May 2024 by the WorldView-3 satellite operated by Vantor (formerly Maxar).
• Resolution: Approximately 4.5 centimetres per pixel, providing a clearer view than previous ground-based observations.
• Physical Features: The image shows Shenlong's wings, open payload bay, and another spacecraft connected at its rear with extended solar panels.
• Uncertainties: The identity of the attached satellite and the reason for its connection remain unknown.

Background on the Shenlong Programme

China has been testing the reusable Shenlong space plane for six years. Designed to launch aboard a rocket and land on a runway, its missions have varied in duration:

• First Mission: September 2020 (lasted two days).
• Second Mission: Spended 276 days in orbit.
• Third Mission: Concluded after 268 days in September 2024.
• Fourth Mission: Launched on February 7, 2026, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre aboard a Long March-2F rocket.

While Chinese state news agency Xinhua described the mission as part of efforts to develop reusable spacecraft technology for peaceful purposes, authorities have not publicly detailed the equipment or experiments carried aboard.

Orbit Observations and Comparison

Observers have noted similarities in design between Shenlong and the American X-37B space plane, as both feature wings, tail fins, and a central payload bay. Additionally, monitoring networks such as LeoLabs reported detecting objects moving near Shenlong during multiple missions, including the fourth mission in June 2026 and during earlier flights. Analysts have suggested these objects might be released payloads, operational equipment, or discarded items, though official confirmation is lacking.

Practical Implications and Verification

• Official findings and reports can be reviewed directly through the US Defense Intelligence Agency publications.
• Independent orbital tracking data and analysis are published by commercial space awareness providers such as LeoLabs.
• Observers should rely on verified agency reports rather than unconfirmed speculations regarding orbital activities.