China’s Secret Space Plane Caught Docked to Satellite in Stunning Spy Image
A newly released image from the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) has offered a rare glimpse of China’s secretive Shenlong space plane docked to another spacecraft in orbit.
Captured in 2024 by Vantor’s WorldView-3 satellite from around 90 kilometres away, the image reportedly has a resolution of 4.5 centimetres per pixel. It shows Shenlong connected to an unidentified satellite with its solar panels deployed, while the space plane’s payload bay doors appear to be open.
The image was included in a DIA report assessing potential threats in space. Shenlong has previously been observed releasing objects into orbit, including an object detected near the spacecraft by space intelligence firm LeoLabs in June 2026.
China has revealed little about the space plane’s missions, saying it is designed to test technologies for more affordable and convenient space travel. The United States also operates a secretive robotic space plane, the Boeing-built X-37B.
As Washington and Beijing compete for strategic advantages in space, the rare images could offer clues about their growing space capabilities, although the exact purpose of Shenlong’s latest activities remains unclear.
