China's secretive space plane caught on camera in incredible new photo released by US military
A United States military intelligence agency has published a clear photograph of China's secretive reusable spaceplane in low-Earth orbit. The declassified satellite image was included within a recent unclassified report titled Challenges to Security in Space, released by the Defense Intelligence Agency. The rare visual provides specifics on the structure and design of the spacecraft, known as the Shenlong or divine dragon. The image reveals the vehicle's open payload bay alongside a satellite docked at the rear.
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- ✓ The United States military released a photograph of China's secretive spaceplane in low-Earth orbit.
- ✓ The Defense Intelligence Agency included the declassified satellite image in its report titled Challenges to Security in Space.
- ✓ The spacecraft is identified as the Shenlong, or divine dragon.
- ✓ The image shows the spaceplane with an open payload bay and a satellite docked at the rear.
What changed
The Defense Intelligence Agency published a declassified satellite photograph displaying the Shenlong spaceplane in orbit with an open payload bay and a docked satellite.
Live updates
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US Military Releases Clear Photo of China Space Plane
A United States military intelligence agency has published a clear photograph of China's secretive reusable spaceplane in low-Earth orbit. The declassified satellite image was included within a recent unclassified report titled Challenges to Security in Space, released by the Defense Intelligence Agency. The rare visual provides specifics on the structure and design of the spacecraft, known as the Shenlong or divine dragon. The image reveals the vehicle's open payload bay alongside a satellite docked at the rear.
Why it matters
The Defense Intelligence Agency published the picture inside its latest security report. The Shenlong spaceplane has previously operated in low-Earth orbit with minimal public insight into its structural configuration or mission capabilities. This publication offers a rare look at the reusable Chinese spacecraft.
What is confirmed
- The United States military released a photograph of China's secretive spaceplane in low-Earth orbit.
- The Defense Intelligence Agency included the declassified satellite image in its report titled Challenges to Security in Space.
- The spacecraft is identified as the Shenlong, or divine dragon.
- The image shows the spaceplane with an open payload bay and a satellite docked at the rear.
What to watch next
- Further official disclosures regarding the capabilities and missions of the Shenlong spaceplane.
- Additional analysis from military intelligence agencies regarding low-Earth orbit security challenges.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (11)
- Ars Technica — China's top-secret spaceplane can't hide in low-Earth orbit
- Popular Science — China’s super-secret space plane visible in clearest photo yet
- Space — China's secretive space plane caught on camera in incredible new photo released by US military
- FlightGlobal — US military intelligence agency publishes photo of Chinese ‘spaceplane’ in orbit
- SpaceNews — U.S. intelligence report publishes clear image of China’s secretive spaceplane
- www.space.com — China's secretive space plane caught on camera in incredible ...
- www.aerotime.aero — US releases rare image of China’s secretive spaceplane
- economictimes.indiatimes.com — US reveals photo of China's secret space plane
- www.popsci.com — China's super-secret space plane visible in clearest photo ...
- spacenews.com — U.S. intelligence report publishes clear image of China’s ...
- www.yahoo.com — Rare picture of China's secret 'Shenlong' space plane found ...
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