US intelligence report features rare image of Chinese spaceplane in orbit
- China’s spaceplane is designed to operate in orbit and return to Earth, allowing vehicle to be used again
Loading…
Loading…
- China’s spaceplane is designed to operate in orbit and return to Earth, allowing vehicle to be used again
By Berk Kutay Gokmen
ISTANBUL (AA) - The US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) has published a rare satellite image of a Chinese reusable spaceplane in orbit, offering a clearer view of a spacecraft whose design resembles the US military’s X-37B.
The image, captured by Maxar Technologies in 2024, appears in the DIA’s Challenges to Security in Space 2026 report, released on Tuesday.
The report identifies the vehicle as a “PRC Spaceplane” and says such spacecraft “can launch into orbit to place objects in space or even test them and return to earth.”
The image shows a winged vehicle with twin vertical tails and a structure extending from its rear. Solar panels are also visible on the attached module.
China has conducted multiple orbital missions with reusable experimental spacecraft since 2020. Details about their precise capabilities and mission objectives remain limited.
Like the US X-37B, China’s spaceplane is designed to operate in orbit and return to Earth, allowing the vehicle to be used again.
The DIA report also examined space capabilities and security challenges involving China, Russia, Iran and North Korea.
Berk Kutay Gökmen