Read Desk. America has released a never seen before picture of China's secret 'reusable' spaceplane. The photo offers a rare glimpse of China's growing capabilities in space, at a time when military competition in Earth orbit is intensifying.
This photo was taken in 2024 by commercial satellite imagery company 'Maxar'. This has been included in a new report by the US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), which analyzes the challenges facing US space security.
The report titled 'Challenges to Security in Space 2026' assesses the military space programs of China and Russia as well as the emerging capabilities of Iran and North Korea.
A spacecraft is visible in the picture which is like a small 'space shuttle'. Its nose is blunt, it has swept-back wings and its entire body is covered in dark thermal-protection tiles. Two large solar panels protrude from the spacecraft's payload section, indicating that this photo was taken while the spacecraft was operating in space orbit.
China has given very little information about this spacecraft. It is believed that it is part of China's 'Experimental Reusable Spaceplane Program'. What is its exact mission, what payloads are carried in it and what is its functionality, it is still not clear.
Why is China's spaceplane important?
Reusable spaceplanes are designed so that they can return to Earth after working in space orbit. This may make it possible to bring these vehicles back, inspect them and fly them again. Such vehicles can help in scientific experiments, demonstration of new technologies and work related to satellites.
However, the ability to maneuver in space orbit and return back to Earth can also be used for military purposes. Depending on their design and payload, these spaceplanes can be used to test technology for future spacecraft, conduct experiments, or perform missions that are difficult to perform with normal satellites.
China has carried out many missions with its experimental reusable spaceplane, but the Chinese government has never given any open information about the activities carried out during these flights.
This picture alone does not prove that this vehicle is carrying weapons or carrying out any military operation. Its significance is simply that it provides rare visual evidence of a spacecraft whose activities remain largely mysterious. A spacecraft resembling America's X-37B
This Chinese vehicle is very similar to the American Space Force's X-37B. The X-37B is a reusable uncrewed spaceplane and has completed several secret orbital missions.
Both spacecraft are launched using conventional rockets, operate in orbit and are designed to return to Earth for future use.
In the reports of Western countries, this Chinese spacecraft is often called 'Shenlong', although in the DIA report it is generally described as 'Chinese spaceplane'. Beijing has provided little information about its precise design, payload or mission objectives.
Several orbital missions have been conducted since 2020 under China's 'reusable' (repeatedly used) spacecraft program. According to reports, its second mission remained in orbit for 276 days, while the third mission lasted for 268 days.
According to DIA's assessment, the spacecraft's activities have included leaving and interacting with objects in orbit. Such actions demonstrate capabilities to deploy and operate near satellites, although they do not confirm any specific military objective.
This recently released photo is part of a broader assessment by the US, which warns that competition in space is increasing.
DIA believes that China's growing number of satellites and its 'counter-space' capabilities pose an increasing challenge to US military operations and space infrastructure.
The report also mentions Russia's development of 'anti-satellite' (anti-satellite) capabilities as well as electronic warfare, cyber operations and 'directed-energy' technologies that could disrupt satellite services. The report warns that space is now increasingly seen as a potential war zone.
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