DIA Report Reveals First Clear Image of China’s Secretive Reusable Spaceplane

Key points

• The DIA released a new image of China’s reusable spaceplane, captured by Maxar Technologies in 2024, as part of its 'Challenges to Security in Space' report.
• The image shows the underside of the spacecraft with its service module attached and solar arrays deployed, resembling the U.S. X-37B.
• China has flown four orbital missions since 2020, with durations ranging from two days to 276 days, including a fourth mission launched in February 2026.
• The report highlights China’s potential for directed-energy weapons and counterspace capabilities, though the spaceplane’s specific military role remains undisclosed.
• The spacecraft has performed rendezvous and proximity operations, including releasing and recapturing sub-satellites, raising questions about its intended use.

Background

China’s reusable spaceplane, often referred to as Shenlong, has been a subject of interest since its first launch in September 2020. Previous missions included a 276-day orbital flight in 2022 and a 268-day mission in 2023. The vehicle is frequently compared to the U.S. X-37B, though its design and mission objectives remain largely classified. The latest image provides a clearer view of the spacecraft’s features, including its service module and solar arrays.

How outlets are covering it

The Aviationist emphasizes the clarity of the new image and the spacecraft’s resemblance to the X-37B, while Ars Technica focuses on the potential for directed-energy weapons and the broader implications for space security. Popular Science highlights the unprecedented nature of the image and the limited information available about the spacecraft’s capabilities. The DIA’s official release underscores the strategic importance of space as a warfighting domain and the growing threats from China, Russia, and other emerging powers.

Why it matters

The release of the image and the accompanying report highlight the increasing competition in space and the potential for military applications of reusable spaceplanes. The findings could influence U.S. defense strategies and international policies regarding space security and the regulation of space activities.

What to watch

Further analysis of the spacecraft’s capabilities and potential military applications may emerge as more data becomes available. The U.S. and its allies may continue to monitor China’s space activities and develop countermeasures to address potential threats.