7 publishers · first seen Wed, 28 Oct 2026 15:50 UTC · updated Mon, 02 Nov 2026 12:32 UTC
A U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency report has included a new photograph of China's reusable Shenlong space plane in orbit, taken in 2024 by Vantor's WorldView 3 satellite from a distance of 56 miles (90 kilometers). The image, captured with a resolution of 4.5 centimeters (1.8 inches) per pixel, shows Shenlong docked to another spacecraft with its solar panels deployed and the space plane's payload bay doors open. Shenlong, also known as the 'divine dragon,' has been active for over six years and is on its fourth mission, which began in February 2026.
The spacecraft has previously released unidentified objects in low Earth orbit, including during its 2023 and 2024 missions, with LeoLabs confirming in June 2026 that a new object was released from Shenlong. China states the vehicle is for testing technologies for the peaceful use of space, while observers note similarities to the U.S. Boeing-built X-37B space plane. The United States has also released limited imagery of its X-37B, including a 2025 photo showing it in orbit with payload bay doors open.
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