DIA Report Releases First Clear Image of China's Shenlong Spaceplane Amid Orbital Threat Warnings

Key points

• The DIA's 130-page report includes a 2024 photo of China's Shenlong spaceplane, taken by Vantor's WorldView 3 satellite from a distance of 90 kilometers.
• The image reveals Shenlong's delta wings, payload bay doors, and service module, showing a design similar to but not identical to the U.S. X-37B.
• Shenlong has completed four missions since 2020, accumulating over 800 days in orbit, and has deployed at least nine unidentified payloads, likely cubesats.
• The report states China may field space-based directed-energy weapons by the late 2020s, though experts like Victoria Samson of the Secure World Foundation call this timeline speculative.
• The photo was first spotted by journalist Andrew Jones on X, and the DIA did not explicitly note its significance as the first clear image of the vehicle.

Background

China's Shenlong spaceplane has been a subject of international interest since its first launch in 2020. Previous images were blurry, offering little detail. The U.S. X-37B, a similar vehicle, has completed seven missions since 2010. The recent release of the Shenlong image coincides with broader U.S. disclosures about its own orbital weapons, as noted by Air Force Secretary Troy Meink.

How outlets are covering it

Live Science and Space.com emphasize the visual clarity of the new image and its similarity to the X-37B. Ars Technica highlights the technical details of the photo and the broader context of non-Earth imaging. Axios focuses on the strategic implications, noting Vantor's concerns about China's growing space capabilities. The Aviationist notes a caveat that the image could be of the Tengyun spaceplane, though experts agree it is likely Shenlong. Global Defense News points out that the image does not confirm a weapons role for Shenlong.

Why it matters

The release of the first clear image of China's Shenlong spaceplane provides unprecedented insight into a key component of China's space program. It underscores the intensifying U.S.-China space competition and raises questions about the potential for orbital weapons. The DIA's warnings about directed-energy weapons highlight the evolving nature of space threats and the need for international cooperation to maintain stability in space.

What to watch

Analysts will continue to monitor Shenlong's activities, particularly its fourth mission, for further evidence of its capabilities. The U.S. and other nations may increase their own space surveillance and countermeasure programs. The debate over the timeline for China's space-based directed-energy weapons will likely continue, with experts and policymakers weighing the DIA's assessments against other analyses.