The U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency has released a higher-resolution image of China’s reusable spaceplane in orbit, showing the vehicle with a rear-mounted service module and deployed solar arrays. Captured in 2024 by a Maxar Technologies WorldView-3 satellite, now operated by Vantor, the image appears to depict the spacecraft during its third mission, launched in December 2023 and still in orbit at the time.
The vehicle is widely associated with China’s Shenlong reusable spaceplane, although the DIA report does not identify the model conclusively and discusses both Shenlong and Tengyun configurations. Visible features include delta wings, a dark heat-shield area and apparent payload-bay doors. The exact image-collection date, orbital position and imaging distance have not been disclosed.
The service module is understood to provide electrical power and propulsion during the orbital mission before separating ahead of re-entry, broadly comparable with the service module used by the U.S. X-37B. The DIA report also records orbital object deployment and interaction activities, without identifying the objects involved or disclosing the mission’s precise objectives.
The spacecraft was launched again in February 2026. The disclosure provides additional evidence of a manoeuvrable, potentially multipurpose platform designed for long-duration orbital operations, payload deployment and controlled return, while leaving its payloads and military or civil roles unconfirmed.