US releases rare photo of China's secretive Shenlong space plane: What does it reveal?

China’s secretive Shenlong space plane has appeared in a striking new photograph released by a US military intelligence agency. The image shows the reusable spacecraft attached to another satellite in orbit, offering a rare look at its design. Captured in 2024 by a commercial imaging satellite, the photograph reveals details that have remained largely hidden from public view. It also raises fresh questions about what China’s space plane may be doing during its missions. Inputs are taken from a report by Space.com.

What does the new photo reveal about China’s Shenlong space plane?

The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) included the photograph in its latest report examining threats to US and allied security in space. According to Space.com, the image was taken by Vantor’s WorldView-3 satellite, then operated under the name Maxar Technologies. The satellite captured the Shenlong space plane from approximately 56 miles (90 kilometers) away, with a resolution of 4.5 centimeters (1.8 inches) per pixel.


Earlier images of Shenlong had been taken by observers on the ground. This new photograph, however, offers a much clearer view of the spacecraft from space.



The image shows its delta-shaped wings, underside, rear-mounted solar arrays and open payload bay doors. Shenlong also appears to be docked with another spacecraft, whose solar panels are deployed. The identity of that satellite remains unknown.

Although the photograph reveals more about the vehicle’s physical design, it does not establish what the two spacecraft were doing together.

Why were Shenlong’s payload bay doors open?

The open payload bay doors have drawn attention because they could offer clues about the spacecraft’s activities in orbit. However, the image does not show what was inside the bay or confirm what operation was taking place.

China has released little information about Shenlong’s capabilities and mission objectives. The spacecraft is known to have completed several orbital flights, with its first prototype mission taking place in 2020.

According to Popular Science, that initial flight lasted two days. A second mission in 2022 lasted nine months, while the third known flight began in December 2023 and continued for about 268 days before ending in 2024.

The DIA has said Shenlong “released and interacted with an object,” but provided few additional details. That leaves important questions about its activities unanswered.

What is known about Shenlong’s missions?

Observers have previously reported unusual activity involving the Chinese space plane. During earlier missions, Shenlong was seen releasing objects while in orbit. Such observations have drawn attention because the spacecraft’s operations remain largely undisclosed.

The latest photograph adds another piece of evidence, but it does not explain the purpose of the docking or identify the second spacecraft. The image provides a rare and detailed look at China’s secretive space plane without revealing the full story behind its mission.